The Phillies released veteran outfielder Geoff Jenkins this afternoon, and apparently are interested in signing Gary Sheffield, whom the Tigers released earlier in the day.
Many scouts reportedly say Sheffield won't be able to regularly play the outfield anymore, but the borderline hall of famer could be a tremendous addition as a right-handed bat off the bench.
Buster Olney said this afternoon on Baseball Tonight he spoke to several American League clubs who were not interested in signing the nine-time All-Star, and said Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro said the Phillies would be interested.
Because the Tigers owe Sheffield $14 million this year, the Phillies would only have to pay him $440,000.
Making this move seems like a no-brainer to me.
The Phillies could add a 499-home-run hitter to their bench, and even out a corps of hitters that leans heavily to the left.
If the Phillies have one weakness heading into this season it is they have a glut of left-handed hitters which could be vulnerable against strong left-handed pitchers.
Sheffield would give the Phils some serious right-handed pop off the bench, even at age 40. If it doesn't pan out, they would be spending virtually no money on him anyway.
Right now, the Phils' best right-handed option off the bench is 36-year-old backup catcher Chris Coste, who has hit 478 fewer home runs in his career than Sheffield has.
This move needs to happen.
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I see 2 scenarios if they make this move even though it makes sense - 1) Sheffield struggles and the Phillies have to make a clean break with him by midseason (Although he does pick up his 500th home run) 2) He plays incredibly, complains about his lack of playing time and forces a trade as he tears apart a great clubhouse. Neither is particularly appealing.
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