Gary Sheffield can put up impressive numbers. Numbers like the 34 homers, 123 RBIs and the .512 slugging percentage he posted in 2005, his last full healthy season as a Yankee. Numbers like his 455 total home runs and a career .297 batting average. Numbers like the $28 million contract extension he signed to play for the Detroit Tigers through 2009.

Then again, Sheffield's detractors can throw around some numbers, too. Like seven, the number of teams Sheffield has played on in his career. His critics might suggest that the itinerant Sheffield is well-traveled for a reason -- because he's too outspoken, too greedy, a guy whose me-first attitude stands out even in an era of selfish mega-buck jocks. Sheffield, after all, is often remembered for refusing to play in the World Baseball Classic, remarking, "My season is when I get paid."

When Sheffield came to the Yankees in 2004, he thought he would end his career in New York, winning World Series after World Series alongside Jeter, A-Rod and Randy Johnson. Instead, the Yankees never made the Series in Sheffield's three-year tenure -- despite great production at the plate whenever he was healthy.

After missing most of the 2006 season due to an injury and getting benched by Yankees manager Joe Torre for a key game in the American League Division Series against Detroit, Sheffield knew the idea of staying in the Bronx was a bust. Even though Sheffield had a staunch ally in owner George Steinbrenner (the perception being that Torre would have signed Vladimir Guerrero over Sheffield in 2004), even Steinbrenner couldn't justify the outfielder's huge salary after his injury-marred 2006 campaign. In the off-season, the Yanks traded Sheffield to Detroit, where he reunited with manager Jim Leyland, who helmed the 1997 World Series champion Florida Marlins, on which Sheffield starred. Despite his injuries last season, the 38-year-old slugger is still universally feared at the plate.

In his new autobiography, Inside Power, Sheffield takes some mighty swings with his pen. In this candid and introspective book, the nine-time All Star addresses his connection to the BALCO scandal, training with Barry Bonds and how he came unknowingly to apply steroid-laced cream to his knee. Sheffield also details his bitter battles with Dodger brass and he lashes out at baseball for turning against African-American players.

As Sheffield warmed up for his 20th big league season, Playboy.com asked him about his views on 'roids, getting benched in the playoffs and what pitchers get respect from the man with the quickest bat in the bigs.