Opinion: The signing of Gary Sheffield
Initially, I was against the signing of Gary Sheffield.
However, the more I think about it, knowing he understands his role, plus knowing he will earn just $400,000, not the $14 million he is due from the Tigers, I am starting to like it.
The key, for me, is that his expectations have 
been set low. Look, if he were coming to the Mets under then impression he would be a starting player, every day, who would bat third, and then he didn’t, and Daniel Murphy and Ryan Church were playing more than he, Sheffield would complain and be a problem, I am sure.
However, the Mets have been quote clear with him that he’ll initially be a bench player, and if he isn’t working his way back to form, that’s where he will remain. Of course, if he begins complaining and turns to ruffling feathers, because he isn’t playing, the Mets can always cut him loose with little consequence.
The only downside, in this regard, is does his presence create resentment and tension for Ryan Church or Daniel Murphy? Does he take some spotlight away from other players, and irritate them? Does he moan and cause problems for Jerry Manuel? All of which can have lasting ramifications through the season, even if Sheffield is eventually cut and no longer on the roster.
Ultimately, I expect Sheffield to play in 80 to 120 games, getting time in left, he’ll play right, he may even play first base, he’ll start some games, but an equal among of at bats from the bench, and he’ll be a presence in the clubhouse and with the media, as a right-handed, power bat from the bench, or behind Carlos Delgado, all of which the team has been missing.
The fact is, the Mets need Church’s defense in right field, especially in Citi Field. Also, Murphy is going to need days off, as well. So, I envision days when Church is in left, Sheffield is in right, and Muprhy is on the bench; I see days when Church is in center, Sheffield is in right, and Murphy is in left, when Carlos Beltran needs a rest; I see days when it is like today, and Sheffield is on the bench, and so on.
And, again, if he is unhappy and causing trouble, the Mets can cut him and not suffer a huge hit to the payroll.
