Now batting, the first baseman, number eleven...

Gary Sheffield, a true-blue Steiner's Warrior for the past three years, has proven his worth yet again. When Bobby Abreu was acquired by the Yankees a few days ago, all signs pointed to Sheffield becoming obsolete. He's old, he's injured and he's an expensive solution for our outfield. And then something brilliant came to light. Gary Sheffield and the Yankees agree that he should be prepared to play first base. I want this to work out. I want Sheff's bat in the lineup not only this year, but next year as well. We can afford the guy and he's still one of the most dangerous bats in the game, even approaching 40 (which he will become in 2008). And platooning him at first makes him less a liability on defense because he's not going to play the field everyday. The American League allows for designated hitters, so let us use that allowance to our advantage. And if, by some sad twist of fate, someone gets injured, Sheff is more than capable of filling in if need be. What's even more encouraging is Sheff's attitude here. All the non-Harold Reynolds prognosticators on Baseball Tonight predicted a firestorm from Sheffield once the Abreu deal was announced. What happened instead? Sheff went out and bought a first-baseman's glove and hugged Abreu when he walked through the clubhouse door.

Keep Sheffield a Yankee-- he's earned our trust and respect.