Sheff Out Indefinitely: Sources of Power Available

August 22, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Ryan Dodson

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Gary Sheffield (shoulder) will sit out the rest of the team's homestand, which continues through Monday, Aug. 27, due to a sore shoulder. Sheffield first injured the shoulder in July after a collision with second baseman Placido Polanco. Since that time, he has hit just one home run, and his average has dropped from .306 to .279. 

"It's time for me to shut it down and get myself right," Sheffield said. "I'm doing myself and my team a disservice (by playing)." 

His average is just .172 (15-for-87) since the collision. While Sheffield is taking the time off, there is also the chance he could end up on the disabled list.

With Sheffield out for the time being, and possibly the rest of August, you will want to find a replacement for him. One option to replace him could be Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Frank Thomas. Thomas is hitting just .260 with 21 home runs and 76 RBI this season, however, he has come on strong lately. So far in August, Thomas is hitting .309 with five home runs, 22 RBI and 21 runs in 68 at-bats. He should be available in 71 percent of leagues.

After Thomas, another player to consider is Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler. In 61 games this season, Butler is hitting .296 with four home runs, 38 RBI and 25 runs. In 63 at-bats this month, Butler is hitting .286 with seven RBI and nine runs. He should be available in 98 percent of leagues.

Finally, consider New York Yankees designated hitter Jason Giambi. So far in August, Giambi is hitting .321 with four home runs, five RBI and five runs over 28 at-bats. He is only available in 43 percent of leagues, but if he is there, he would be worth picking up.

Sheffield is not on the disabled list yet, however, he has said he will not return until the injury is fully healed. He does not want to come back for just two games before re-injuring it. Keep an eye on KFFL for any updates on his condition.

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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