Tigers Release Gary Sheffield

In an unexpected move, the Detroit Tigers have released Gary Sheffield today.

The 40-year old Sheffield hit just .225 last year and was only hitting .178 this spring. The Tigers owe Sheffield $14 Million dollars in 2009. They will be responsible for this unless Sheffield is claimed off of waivers. Highly unlikely.

What's more likely to happen is that a team will pick him up after he clears waivers. A team that could use a DH? Sheffield is one HR shy of 500 for his career, so he will definitely look to catch on with someone.

Sheffield told the Detroit Free Press, "It’s one of those things where you move on, you know? I was surprised. I thought I was getting ready for the season. I never thought that I wasn’t going to be playing with the Detroit Tigers this year. It’s probably a blessing.”

Sheffield also said he would give preference to the Tampa Bay Rays if they were interested, since they play close to his home.