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Sheffield Unlikely To Fit In

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 31, 2009

Updated: 03/31/2009 11:12 pm

FORT MYERS - The Rays' newly acquired status as a destination spot for free agents comes with a caveat: They don't have nearly enough room to accommodate players who might otherwise be attractive to them.

Gary Sheffield would seem to be in that category after the Tigers released him Tuesday. The Tampa native told reporters in Lakeland that he would prefer to stay at home and play for the Rays, but the chances of that happening appear slim.

Though the Tigers are responsible for most of the $14 million Sheffield is due, leaving the team that signs him to pay only $400,000 for the slugger's services this year, the Rays already have Pat Burrell in the role Sheffield would play. The 40-year-old could conceivably platoon in right field, but defense is far from his forte at this point, and that's an important factor to the Rays.

Before Tuesday's game, Manager Joe Maddon said he was flattered by Sheffield's interest but had "no idea" whether anything could be worked out.

"That's very complimentary, that he would want to come play for us," Maddon said. "I have so much respect for this guy as a baseball player and I've gotten to know him a little bit over the last couple of years, just having abstract conversations with him. I saw him during the offseason, actually, and he's in great shape. He's a very strong person and I like him. Conversationally, I really like him."

It should be noted that Rays officials didn't rule out acquiring Sheffield on the spot; the idea would at least be kicked around among the front office, just as it would with any other player in similar circumstances. No matter which way you look at the Rays' roster, though, there doesn't appear to be a fit for Sheffield.

PITCHING IN: Andy Sonnanstine stretched out to 92 pitches in seven innings Tuesday, holding Boston's likely Opening Day lineup to two runs through the first six before serving up a three-run homer to Jason Varitek in the seventh. Sonnanstine likely will pitch in a minor-league game Sunday to stay on turn. ... Grant Balfour retired only two of the seven men he faced Tuesday, leading Maddon to note that the reliever "just hasn't been as sharp with his velocity or his location, but I believe he'll be fine." ... The Rays' weekend exhibition series against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park will feature Scott Kazmir against Joe Blanton on Friday night and Matt Garza against Cole Hamels on Saturday afternoon.

NOTEWORTHY: B.J. Upton is expected to play at least two games for the Charlotte Stone Crabs next week as part of a rehab assignment. ... The Rays will work out at Fenway Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. ... Among the minor-league players released by the Rays was LHP Chuck Tiffany, who was acquired from the Dodgers along with Edwin Jackson in 2006.

Marc Lancaster

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