Gary Sheffield pulls no punches, lashing out the New York Yankees, the media and Derek Jeter in a published interview set to hit newsstands next week.
The outspoken Sheffield tells New York magazine that Jeter is not the leader of the Yankees.
"I know who the leader is on the team," he says, without naming names. "I know who the team feeds off. I know who the opposing team comes in knowing they have to defend to stop the Yankees."
Sheffield was batting .302 this season entering Friday night's game against Toronto, a percentage point behind Jeter and well behind Rodriguez's team-leading .316.
Rodriguez also leads in home runs (30) and RBIs (85). Sheffield's 21 homers and 81 RBIs are tied for second in both categories.
Sheffield also blames the media for hyping Jeter and third baseman Alex Rodriguez ahead of other players on the team. Without naming them, Sheffield says the New York media portray the two superstars "in a positive light and everyone else is garbage".
While other players might look at the Yankees as a first class organization, the 17 year veteran says the team lacks family values, chemistry and trust.
"It's not a family-oriented team," Sheffield tells writer Stephen Rodrick. "In L.A., wives can fly on the plane; with the Yankees they can't. With other teams, the wives always have functions to bring them together. Not here."
As far as creating any chemistry within the team, Sheffield says the media are to blame for that as well.
"This is the first team I've been on where no one sits at their locker," he said. "It's where you build your chemistry from, how you get to know each other, just talking about life. I'm used to having six chairs around me, but here if there are six chairs, then there's going to be 20 reporters around me."
Even if the clubhouse were less hectic, Sheffield said he wouldn't grow too close to any teammates.
"I don't trust that many people," he told New York. "Just my mother and my wife and a couple of friends. When I trust people, it doesn't end well."
Sheffield was never known for his congeniality during tumultuous stops in Milwaukee and Los Angeles. He blamed the media for his reputation.
"It happens because you're white and I'm black," Sheffield said. "My interpretation of things is different. You don't see it the way I see it. You write how you understand it, how you would articulate it, not how I, as a black man, would articulate it."
Sheffield adds he was insulted when the Yankees offered him a two year deal worth $18-million prior to last season.
"I just came off 39 home runs and 132 RBIs and you ain't got nobody on your team that can put up those numbers, and you ain't gonna get anyone who is going to," he said. "But George [Steinbrenner] asked me not to take it as an insult and kept pursuing me. I said, 'Fine, I don't have to speak to anyone in the organization to still do my job.'"
Sheffield eventually signed a three year deal worth $39-million.
Sheffield makes no apologies for his comments.
"Why shouldn't I tell the truth?" he tells the magazine. "I ain't trying to get no Pepsi commercial."
(Files from Associated Press were used in this report)
not sure the term "loser" is accurate. He does have a ring...
But he is an egomaniac who is always miserable and bitching about how's always underpaid.
_________________ “You’re good kids, stay together. Trust each other and be good teammates to one another. I believe there is a championship in this room.”
-Ernie Accorsi in his final address to the NY Giants locker room before retiring as GM in January of 2007
not sure the term "loser" is accurate. He does have a ring...
But he is an egomaniac who is always miserable and bitching about how's always underpaid.
loser not applying to his baseball skills. hes one of the most feared hitters ever, but his act is just old. he pulled it in LA, shit talking teammates that were more liked than he was blaming his not hitting 4th in the lineup on his being black.
now why the hell would the guy throw a hissy fit over being traded because "this is where I want to play", and 2 weeks later destroy his teammates in an article?
_________________ I bet I could strike Eddie Vedder out with my curveball.
_________________ “You’re good kids, stay together. Trust each other and be good teammates to one another. I believe there is a championship in this room.”
-Ernie Accorsi in his final address to the NY Giants locker room before retiring as GM in January of 2007
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