Sheffield's Goal With Glove

Sheffield’s Goal With Glove

By JASON REID

May 11, 2001 12 AM PT

Gary Sheffield has been one of the majors’ top run producers during his 13-year career.

Now Sheffield wants to be a Gold Glove left fielder.

“Everybody would want to,” said Sheffield, who has five assists. “I want to do that because the trophy is pretty. That trophy looks better than the MVP trophy.”

First-base coach John Shelby has worked with the six-time all-star on his fielding technique since spring training, and the Dodgers are pleased with the results.

“We all stand around and talk about and rave about what an offensive player he is, and rightfully so on our parts,” Manager Jim Tracy said of Sheffield. “But the fact remains he has also won two baseball games with his glove.”

Sheffield nailed a runner at the plate in Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Florida Marlins, and two in one inning April 25 in a 6-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Sheffield had a career-high 14 assists in 1997 while playing right field for the Florida Marlins, but has struggled at times with the Dodgers since moving to left field in ’99.

Shelby noticed and offered help.

The former outfielder focused on improving Sheffield’s footwork and throwing, and his student has been attentive.

“He always had the talent and ability, he has one of the strongest arms of any left fielder, it’s just a matter of him getting his footwork together,” Shelby said. “We’ve worked on his footwork so that, when he makes a catch, everything flows and he can get rid of it.

“A lot of it was, at first, his confidence because he had never played left and it took him a while to get adjusted. You get better by knowing the league, and he’s been out there a couple of years now.”

Third baseman Adrian Beltre was one for three with a run-scoring double and a walk in his final game for triple-A Las Vegas.

Beltre is scheduled to rejoin the club today and be activated for the second game of a three-game weekend series against the Atlanta Braves.

In five games for Las Vegas and Class-A Vero Beach, Beltre batted .500 (seven for 14) with two doubles, a home run and three runs batted in.

Reliever Jesse Orosco, baseball’s all-time appearance leader, is pitching well at Las Vegas but is not currently in the Dodgers’ plans.

The left-hander has given up only one hit and no runs in 4 2/3 innings, spanning seven appearances, with seven strikeouts and two walks.

Shortstop Tim Bogar (strained left hamstring) is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment this weekend.

ON DECK

Opponent--Atlanta Braves, three games.

Site--Dodger Stadium.

Tonight--7.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2 tonight, Channel 5 on Saturday and Sunday.

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).