According to an article in today's NY Times, Gary Sheffield is about to request that we shell out about $20 for his new book, "Inside Power." Let me say that I liked Sheffield and his idiosyncratic behavior...he sees himself as Detective Shaft, a maverick independent who must tell it "like it is." Among the dimes that Gary will drop:

1) The "cream" that he received from BALCO on Bonds's recommendation was understood by Gary to be a topical ointment that promoted fast healing of cuts, scrapes and in Gary's case stitches that had come loose. This is plausible, particularly because circumstantial evidence tells us (in my opinion) that neither Gary's production nor his physique appreciably changed after the steroid ban.

2) According to the NYT, Gary portrays Joe Torre as an "Enigma." You struck the nail squarely on the head, Sheff. But: Joe is our Enigma.

3) Gary felt disrespected that Torre wanted Vladimir G. over him. News for you Sheff: If I conducted an online poll right now as to who the Yankees Universe would have wanted, I believe you would be disrespected by the results. Had "C-money" Cashman been in total control of the front office during the 2003 free agent season, you likely would never have worn pinstripes, in my opinion.