In a USA Today column, Gary Thorne puts into writing what many of us have been thinking for a few weeks now.  Could free agent Barry Bonds* replace the struggling Gary Sheffield* in the Tigers lineup if Sheffield’s woes continue?

Remember, current Tigers manager Jim Leyland was instrumental in the development of Bonds* when the then slender Bonds* began his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  And as Thorne writes, Leyland still has great respect for Bonds*. 

From Bonds’ point of view, Detroit would be a great fit.  He’d get to play for a manager he’s familiar with on a contending team that is expected to make it to the post-season.  He’d also get to DH.  And as an added bonus, the dark blue Tigers baseball hat would have a slimming effect on his ENORMOUS head.

Still, this is all complete speculation and depends entirely on Gary Sheffield, who certainly deserves the chance to turn his season around.  (He’s hitting just .164/.325/.299 with 2 HR’s in 67 at bats this year).  It is possible that Sheffield is just pressing in his bid to get to 500 HR’s, or that he is simply off to a slow start this year, and that he will make this article seem completely ridiculous in a matter of days by crushing a few of his trademark line drive homeruns.  But, on the flip side, it is also possible that the 39 year old’s shoulder problems may prevent him from returning to his normal self this year, or perhaps ever.  Even Jim Leyland is aware of this possibility, saying, “He’s not going to be the old Sheffield even when he is hitting.  The shoulder has been a problem and he is older. That doesn’t mean he can’t hit.”

So keep an eye on Gary Sheffield over the next few weeks.  The Tigers seem like one team that would be willing to take a chance on Bonds* and if Sheffield can’t live up to the team’s expectations of him, suddenly Detroit would have a huge hole at the DH spot.  A hole big enough, perhaps, for Barry Bonds* and his baggage.

Filed under: Detroit Tigers