Buzz: Mets Discussing Sheffield
Update, 12:13 pm:
In a post to his blog for Newsday, David Lennon writes, “The Mets have contacted Gary Sheffield directly to gauge his interest in coming to New York and a person familiar with the situation said today that he could sign with a club as soon as tonight.”
…from what i can gather, there is some buzz going on suggesting the Mets could do a pre-game press conference, fron Citi Field, before batting practice, which was originally scheduled to be just Omar Minaya… but, that is all predicated on them actually reaching a deal… otherwise, it will revert to a minaya solo address…
Lennon further speculates on how a potential signing of Sheffield will impact the current, projected 25–man roster.
Meanwhile, Andrew Marchand, on his blog for 1050 ESPN Radio, says, “The Mets are trying to figure where they could find at-bats if they pursued Sheffield.”
…read marchand’s post, it sounds like he is skeptical that a deal will ever be worked out, mostly due to the player and the history…
Update, 10:37 am:
Jon Heyman of SI.com believes the Mets are showing ‘real interest in Sheffield,’ saying the team sent two scouts to watch him throw in Tampa.
Sheffield prefers to play for the Mets over the Phillies and Reds due to ‘playing time concerns,’ according to Heyman, who spoke with the player’s agent.
“The Mets told him, ‘You deliver, and you’ll play,’” writes Heyman, citing a person close to Sheffield.
Original Post, by Mike Nichols, 9:01 am:
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports, the Mets have had ‘some in-depth discussions’ on the possibility of signing free-agent OF Gary Sheffield.
Sherman believes Sheffield is on the team’s radar, but lists the Phillies and Reds as possible suitors.
Sheffield, who was recently released by the Tigers, batted .225 with 19 HR and 57 RBI in 114 games last season.
…it’s good the Mets are discussing options to improve the ball club, they should be, but sheffield should not be one of them…
…the thing is, sheffield might be a nice right-handed option off the bench, but i highly doubt he would conform to such a role…and, after a spring in which Jerry Manuel preached team first, sheffield might undermine that philosophy…
