Gary Sheffield has not missed an opening day since 1989. Now he is searching for someone to give him a chance.

Sheffield, who is one home run away from the elusive 500 club was surprised and shocked at the move, citing that he hadn’t even thought of it as a possibility. Dave Dombrowski and Jim Leyland dropped the news on the future hall of fame candidate.

The move will now give the Tigers more flexibility in the outfield, that includes keeping slugger Marcus Thames in a constant rotation into the lineup. The team will also be able to insert more speed in the lineup, giving newly acquired Josh Anderson a bit more playing time.

Meanwhile, this move allows for Jeff Larish to battle for the final spot on the roster. If I were to predict, the job is his to loose, unless Leyland carries one more pitcher to start the season (considereing all of the injuries).

I love this move becuase it gives the Tigers many options throughout the season. It will give Carlos Guillen time off in left, get Larish in the lineup at first, and keep everyone healthy throughout the season.

When you add a guy to the lineup that projects to hit 40+ homers if he plays everyday and stays healthy (which he has), then you have to be doing something right.  It will be interesting to see the role that Josh Anderson plays in 2009 now with Sheffield gone. At least now I’m not cussing at Tiger management for leaving one of the hottest hitters off the roster.

All in all, a good Tuesday!

Porcello is leading the 5th starter Race (Cliff Welch/MLB.com).

Dickerson also talked about the real possibility of Ryan Perry making the squad, saying there are two to three open spots in the bullpen, and the Perry is making his mark when he enters the game. I thought it was interesting to note.

There has also been a rumor swirling in Lakeland, that the Tigers could cut Sheffield to keep Jeff Larish and Clete Thomas on the Major League roster. I find this hard to believe, unless the Sheffield is really struggling when spring closes out.

Though Sheffield hasn’t put a healthy and productive season together in quite a while, I believe you have to keep him around for 2009. He has something left in the tank, and he told Mr. Dickerson earlier this spring that he can go through his swing without any pain. As much as I would love to see Marcus Thames in the lineup everyday, I don’t think it is the right move.

Tiger Notes:

–Rudy Darrow and Jon Kibler, alongside Jeff Kunkel have been sent to minor league camp.

–Spot Starters is closing in on it’s top 5 Tigers of all time.

–A couple notes from Single-A affiliate West Michigan.  Fifth Third Park has now become Smoke Free, pretty intersting if you didn’t note already. They also have the new fifth third burger. This thing sounds amazing. It’s Ingredients: nacho cheese, chili, salsa, crunched tortilla chips, tomato and lettuce served on a special 8-inch sesame seed bun.

–Did you know that Toledo has some pretty good Wallpapers on their website? Check these out.