FILE ** This is a Feb. 27, 2009 file photo showing Detroit Tigers' Gary Sheffield taking batting practice before a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla. The Tigers released the nine-time All-Star on Tuesday March 31, 2009, leaving him without a team as he closes in on becoming the 25th player to reach 500 career homeruns. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)