Sheffield Stays Quiet, on and Off the Field

Atlanta outfielder Gary Sheffield has spent more time in the training room than on the field.

Sheffield, one of the off-season’s biggest acquisitions, hasn’t done much for his new team. First, it was a wrist injury. Then, a pulled hamstring. Heading into Friday night’s game at Cincinnati, the feared slugger was batting .243 with six homers and 18 runs batted in.

Even so, Sheffield refuses to let himself get frustrated. Just the opposite, in fact.

“The most peace I’ve ever felt about myself is this year,” he said. “I’ve finally got a perspective on things--the good and the bad. I’ve been blessed with a lot of talent. When I get healthy, I’ll be able to display that.”

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St. Louis manager Tony La Russa defended former Cardinal slugger Mark McGwire as speculation builds about steroid use in the major leagues.

“There’s no doubt in my mind,” La Russa said Friday before the Cardinals played the Pirates. “I was here, I saw him in the gym early, I saw how he took care of himself. He ate protein.”

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Texas Ranger catcher Ivan Rodriguez, a 10-time All-Star, is scheduled to catch for the first time in two months today during an extended spring game. Rodriguez, on the disabled list because of a herniated disk in his back, could rejoin the Rangers at the end of next week.... The Minnesota Twins put pitcher Brad Radke back on the disabled list after he threw just 12 pitches Thursday in a start against the Angels. He aggravated a pulled right groin muscle.