News: Sheffield in the House later Today
Update, 1:33 pm:
Sheffield has arrived to Citi Field.
He is scheduled to speak with reporters after the game.
Original Post:
Mets OF Gary Sheffield is expected to arrive to Citi Field at some point during today’s game against the Red Sox.
In a report for ESPN.com, Buster Olney explains why, diminished skills aside, Sheffield can still help the Mets, adding, “At least at the outset of his time with the Mets, he will impact games. He will make opposing managers do things they wouldn’t normally do. The presence of Sheffield in the Mets’ dugout will strike fear in the minds of opponents in the other dugouts.”
Prior to today’s game, Jerry Manuel told reporters that he spoke with Sheffield, and explained that he will first be a pinch hitter, ‘until we find you a spot and can see what you can do in the outfield.’
Manuel also told reporters Sheffield will not 
play in the outfield during the team’s first three-game series against the Reds.
…i am very interested in seeing how the roster shakes out through the first week of the season… essentially, it feels like the Mets are auditioning sheffield, with the intent of keeping him and seeing him eventually returning to form, batting third and creating depth in the outfield… however, if it doesn’t work out then it doesn’t work out and only costs them $400,000… the thing is, in between that time, who gets cut, who burns an option, who is owed money, etc., to make room for sheffield’s audition… it seems to me, Marlon Anderson will get the boot… but when… does Nick Evans start on the 25–man, or do the Mets simply demote him now, and postpone needing to cut anderson or Jeremy Reed for five days…
…i have always lacked faith in Omar Minaya’s ability to manage the roster properly, so this will be interesting to watch… i hope he chooses wisely this time…
Lastly, Manuel explained that Sheffield will not impact playing time for Ryan Church, who can also start in left field and center field on days when Carlos Beltran or Daniel Murphy need rest.
In the end, Manuel said he sees this situation as a positive, in that if it works out well on all fronts, ‘I think it’s a tremendous blessing.’
