The Tigers go out and acquire oft injured and outspoken outfielder Gary Sheffield from the Yankees for three pitching prospects. The Tigers add a lifetime .297 hitter, 455 homers and 1,501 RBI’s. While Sheffield is an asset to the outfield, I think the biggest impact will come as a hitter. Manager Jim Leyland says of Sheffield:
“We have been able to add one of the biggest bats in baseball. I have a great relationship with Gary Sheffield and I have the utmost respect for him. I’m happy to add a bat of this magnitude and that he’ll be a Tiger.”
The Tigers are signed to a deal with Sheffield through the 2009 season.