Frustrated Sheffield sounds off
Gary Sheffield is in the middle of the BALCO scandal and he has the scars to prove it — unrelenting questions about steroids and speculation about his friendship with Barry Bonds.
But the Yankees right fielder wonders why other stars with obsessive workout routines and high productivity, such as Roger Clemens, escape steroid suspicion and have their superior fitness attributed to their dedication.
“I get sick and tired of everyone wanting to flaunt their training method, to show that they’re the biggest and strongest and baddest,” Sheffield said. “All of that is a big hoax. Nobody trains harder than anybody else. It’s a bunch of garbage and I’m sick and tired of hearing it.”
Sheffield pointed to Clemens as an example of a player whose success is attributed to a superior fitness program.
“Us as players have to sit here and answer stupid questions about how somebody’s training workout is so superior to the next man,” Sheffield said. “But it’s not. Roger Clemens, what makes him so different, because he’s able to pitch? Longevity. I can tell you one thing, and I’m not accusing him of anything, but I betcha he’s not just drinking soda water.”
Randy Hendricks, one of Clemens’ agents, dismissed Sheffield’s comments. “His innuendos are not worthy of a response,” Hendricks said.
Sheffield pointed out that Bonds should be given the same credit for his work ethic as other hard-working players.
“I understand the reason why we’re under suspicion, because of the BALCO issue, but nobody speculates on (other players), on their workout,” he said. “They’ll take their word on their workout … why can’t you take Barry’s word for his workout? There are plenty of people who can attest that he’s at the gym.”
Sheffield and Bonds were once off-season workout partners, but Sheffield did not speak to Bonds at the All-Star Game last week, their friendship, Sheffield said, strained by fallout from the BALCO scandal. Bonds introduced Sheffield to BALCO through Bonds’ trainer, Greg Anderson, who has been indicted in the scandal.
“Obviously, I don’t want to be in no controversy, dealing with something that’s illegal,” Sheffield said. “Not to say that he (Bonds) knew more than he knew, but the fact of the matter is, it involved somebody else and it affects somebody else’s family.”
Sheffield noted his friendship with Bonds had waned before BALCO, just as his relationship with his uncle, Dwight Gooden, became strained after Gooden ran into trouble with drugs and “my name got mixed up with it.” Ultimately that relationship was repaired.
Sheffield said he wouldn’t talk to Bonds until the BALCO case is resolved.
White Sox acquire Everett
Carl Everett rejoined the Chicago White Sox when the outfielder was traded from the Montreal Expos for minor league pitchers Jon Rauch and Gary Majewski.
Chicago also receives cash as part of the deal. Everett is expected to join the White Sox in time for tonight’s game at Texas.
Clearing the bases
Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay will have his sore right shoulder examined by Dr. James Andrews today in Birmingham, Ala… . Mark Prior tested his elbow in a 10-minute pregame throwing session from the bullpen and emerged relatively pain free. The Cubs won’t determine his status for his scheduled start on Tuesday until today… . The Orioles activated third baseman Melvin Mora from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Jose Leon to Triple-A Ottawa… . The Reds designated left-handed pitcher Jesus Sanchez for assignment and said they will recall left-hander Brandon Claussen in time to start Tuesday against Milwaukee… . The Rockies optioned left-handed reliever Javier Lopez to Triple-A Colorado Springs, but won’t announce his replacement until today.