Sheffield, McGriff Are Named to NL Silver Slugger Squad

Padre third baseman Gary Sheffield received his second honor from The Sporting News in two days as he and teammate Fred McGriff were named Wednesday to the National League Silver Slugger team.

Sheffield, who was honored Tuesday as The Sporting News’ NL player of the year, was picked as the NL’s best offensive third baseman for his .330 batting average, 33 home runs and 100 RBIs.

McGriff, who received a Silver Slugger award in 1989 while playing with Toronto, was picked as the top NL offensive first baseman for hitting .286 with 35 homers and 104 RBIs.

The awards, presented by Louisville Slugger, are determined by a vote of major league managers and coaches.

In other Padre news, pitcher Ed Whitson, 37, officially announced his retirement. Whitson, who had a 77-72 record during eight seasons with the Padres, missed the entire 1992 season with a torn ligament in his right elbow. In 16 major league seasons with the Padres, Giants, Yankees, Pirates and Indians, Whitson compiled a 126-123 career record.

Infielder Craig Shipley, who hit .248 with seven RBIs in 52 games, had minor surgery to remove a cyst from his right thumb. The operation was performed in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The Padres have asked waivers on catcher Dann Bilardello for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release. Bilardello hit .121 in 17 games this season.