Gary Sheffield

Sheffield was an awful player to own for most of last season. Complications from his shoulder surgery sapped most of his power for the first half of the season. His power stroke returned around mid-season but he was never able to make consistent contact and his batting average suffered. Sheffield will likely slide in many drafts this year due to that poor production but we think he makes an interesting pick late in drafts. The uptick in the power numbers in the second half of last season could be a sign that Sheffield isn't quite finished.

Sheffield got off to an extremely slow start last season but turned things around in May to get his numbers in line with his career norms. Unfortunately, a July collision with Placido Polanco led to shoulder problems that hampered Sheffield's numbers - particularly his power - over the last couple of months of the season. Sheffield underwent a series of cortisone shots but eventually was shut down when the Tigers fell out of the playoff race. Offseason surgery revealed a slightly torn labrum, but he's expected to be ready for spring training. If he proves to be healthy, a return to his typical numbers should be expected.

The Yankees dealt Sheffield to Detroit in November, after he said he was unwilling to play first base and the team elected not to negotiate a contract extension. A serious wrist injury put him out of commission for four months last season, but he'll be in the heart of a potent Detroit order and as the primary designated hitter, he should be able to stay healthy for the bulk of the season. It'd be very surprising if the wrist injury has any long-term effects on his swing, but keep an eye on his power this spring just to be safe.

Another year, another 120 RBI for Sheffield. The man with the quickest bat in the league shows no signs of slowing down at age 37, even reintroducing the stolen base into his game. As he showed in 2004, he'll continue to produce even with a series of minor injuries. Feel comfortable with him as the leading hitter on a fantasy team.

Wow. Sheffield was one of the most dominant players in baseball in 2004, playing most of the season with a shoulder so painful that he couldn't lift his arm over his head to catch fly balls. He had offseason surgery to remove scar tissue but didn't have a torn labrum and is expected at full strength for spring training. Expect more MVP numbers from the man who may still have the quickest bat in the majors at age 36.

Coming off one of his best seasons, the only question for Sheffield in 2004 will be his ability to handle playing in New York. When healthy the last three seasons, Sheffield has been as strong a hitter as anyone in the game and there are no signs of decline. He'll probably attempt fewer stolen bases in the Yankees' lineup, but expect the rest of his numbers to be along the lines of the last few years.

Sheffield's numbers from his first year in Atlanta look like a decline, but he struggled with wrist and hamstring injuries early in the season. Once fully healthy, he caught fire in the second half and posted an OPS of 1.031 after the All-Star break. However in the second half he hit only 10 home runs. Still, bet on a return to his power-hitting days – you may be able to get him at his lowest price in a few years.