Sheffield Discovers New Motivation

Less than a year after strongly considering retiring, Gary Sheffield surprised Dodger officials again Thursday, this time saying he’s determined to play “until I’m 40.”

The all-star outfielder said that harmony in his personal life has inspired him professionally, causing him to reevaluate his career. Sheffield, 31, said he wants to play at least another nine seasons in an attempt to “accomplish things in this game I really never used to even think about.”

Sheffield reported to Dodgertown this week in the best shape of his career after an intense off-season workout program, and said he’s focusing his efforts on helping the Dodgers restore their tarnished image. Sheffield has a new outlook, and the 12-year veteran is optimistic about the future for the first time in a long time.

“This is the best frame of mine I’ve had going into a season since I can remember,” said Sheffield, the last player left from the Mike Piazza trade in 1998. “Especially from where I was at last year, it’s just totally different. I feel relaxed and good about everything going on in my life right now, and I’m just looking at the game a lot different.

“There were things that weren’t as important to me as maybe they should have been early in my career, there were things I didn’t think about, but now I am. And for me to do those things, I’m going to have to play until I’m 40.”

That’s the best news General Manager Kevin Malone has heard to this point in spring training.

“He said that?” Malone said, his faced creased by a wide grin. “That’s great to hear because if he’s feeling like that, he’s really locked in and determined to do everything he can for the Dodgers.

“I knew he was feeling good about how things have been going for him and about the moves that we made in the off-season, but I didn’t know he felt that good about it. I think he has peace of mind, and this sure makes it sound like that.”

Sheffield credits his wife, DeLeon, for his turnaround.

“She’s been the biggest thing,” said Sheffield, married Feb. 5 in Tampa, Fla. “She has given me that peace of mind that makes me want to stay in the game and be the type of player I can be.”

Last season, Sheffield became the first player in Los Angeles franchise history to bat at least .300 with 30 home runs, 100 runs batted in, 100 runs and 100 walks. He has 236 homers and 807 RBIs in his career, and Sheffield wants to add significantly to those totals before he’s done.

“But it’s not just about numbers, it’s about helping the Dodgers win,” he said. “I don’t need to be vocal about anything anymore, I just need to play. It’s all about business with me now.”

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Onan Masaoka, expected to be the No. 1 left-hander in the bullpen, severely sprained his left ankle while covering first base during fielding drills.

He slipped while trying to position his foot near the bag on a field dampened by rain. Masaoka’s ankle was taped heavily and he needed a crutch to walk.

The second-year pitcher is expected to be sidelined for a week to 10 days, team officials said.

“I guess stuff like this just happens,” said Masaoka, 2-4 with a 4.32 earned-run average in 54 games last season. “The thoughts are there [that he might be sidelined longer than expected], but not to where I’m going to be worried about it every night.”

Manager Davey Johnson won’t lose sleep either--for now.

“He was pretty good last year, he got that under his belt, and he was going pretty good [in camp] before this happened,” Johnson said. “The games haven’t started, so hopefully it won’t be too bad.”

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Pitcher Robinson Checo is the only player who has not reported to Dodgertown.

“Well, we’re sure not putting out an APB [all points bulletin] for him,” Johnson joked.