Joe and Evan of the morning show on WFAN, are reporting that Gary Sheffield could be signing with the Mets by tonight. They believe that one of the reasons the Mets are interested in Sheffield is because he would be able to hit his historic 500th homerun with Mets.
UPDATE 3:30 PM – As part of the $400,000 deal, the Mets have promised Sheffield “significant playing time” as reported by Mike Francesa of WFAN aaccording to a source. We’ll know more about that, as soon as Omar is introduced on Francesa’s show which is live at CitiField. He is expected to be on in a few minutes.
UPDATE 3:00 PM – WFAN has just reported that the New York Mets have signed outfielder Gary Sheffield. Mike Francesa made the announcement while interviewing Bobby Ojeda on his show.
UPDATE 12:47 PM – Joel Sherman is reporting that the Mets are on the verge of signing Gary Sheffield for at least one year, but possibly two. It looks like the Marlon Anderson era has come to an end.
They also believe that if Sheffield does sign, he would be playing almost everyday and bat in the heart of the Mets lineup.
I don’t know about that, but at the very least, he might find himself in a platoon with Ryan Church in rightfield, and would be insurance in case the experiment in leftfield fails to draw and positive results.
David Lennon of Newsday is also confirming the report and writes,
Looks like the Mets could pull the trigger on a Sheffield deal as early as tonight. It’s an idea that’s definitely gaining momentum within the front office, and baggage aside, Sheffield is a great match for the Mets’ lefty-dominated roster.
Sheffield is 41 and it’s hard to say at this point how much he has left in the tank. But if all it will cost the Mets is $400 K to find out, then it’s probably a very good risk. He still could be an intimidating presence in the lineup despite his age.
His right handed bat would certainly work well for the Mets and his 500th homerun at CitiField may drum up some additional excitement nationally. Currently, Sheffield has 499 homers.
The Phillies are also reported to be hot on his heels, but Sheffield has told several sources that given the choice he would choose to play for the Mets.
We’ll keep updating this story as needed.
Holy crap!
I hope this doesn’t end up being a season long soap opera in the press.
Hopefully it turns into a great move.
Lets all keep our fingers crossed.
We could use more offense, but at whose expense….
Somebody in the Mets front office is listening to the sports talking heads and panicing about Murphy and Church. Does anybody think the minute he has to sit he won’t be mouthing off to the press how he should be playing more and how the is the savior of this team!? This guy is a clubhouse cancer waiting to happen. A .225 avg. last year! 41 years old! Just so he can hit his 500th HR here? Who cares!
I always liked him. I like that fire and intensity he brings to the ball park. I think we need that. Also, I believe Manuel knows how to get the best out of his players. I do understand his age is a risk and he could turn out to be an Alou, but at least we are not penciling him in as our sole starter.
Least we now no, that he has not been guranteed playing time. So i assume manuel is going to play sheffield like he did with tatis last year, play the hot hand.
What does Mike Francesa know…Omar was just on with Mike and he said they promised him nothing. Mike always gets it wrong.
NO NO NO NO NO!!! stupid Sheffield
For all those that have accused me of being a Pollyanna and NEVER finding anything wrong with anything or player
I despise this move and can not stand Sheffield….
Can you say George Foster?
Excellent! Big right handed pwer bat hitting #5…..
We just won the Division people!
Reyes
Castillo
Wright
Delgado
Sheffield
Beltran
Church
Scheidner/Castro
WOW! Even if Sheffield has a so-so year. Lets define a so-so year, .275 15-20 hrs. 75-80 rbis. the power right handed bat makes the lineup that much stronger!
….I find it funny how you place sheffield who is 41, who has been on the decline a head of beltran in the batting order. Who is still in his prime, has been one of the most productive players in baseball the past 3 years…..
And also… If sheffield is an everyday player its church not murphy who is going to not play. Manuel has already stated murphy to be the everyday left field. And sheffield is a better right fielder than left.
Lets see no roids,he is hurt,he is old.Hmmmm.im old 36 you can give me half of Shef’s 400g.and i’ll out hit the has been steroid using torre slammin piece of garbage.atleast his wife can sing.(lol)
Terrible…not trashing the Mets, but big mouthed, roid using, self proclaimed play tanker….alot of things can happen here, and none of them are good. I know he’s Doc’s nephew but this is worse than McDowell and Nails for Juan Samuel…and we’re not giving up any players this time….I’d rather see a real Met hit his 300th in Citi Field, than this piece of garbage hit his 500th…..so sorry I’m bitter, but that’s all I got….Matt
I didnt think the mets would get him but i didnt want the phills to get him. i heard it at first and was ehhh about it but now im excited. murphy has lost his full time roll but sheff could do that to any team and now we are that much more dangerous. we also have found that guy, other than wright, to address the media. he will always have something to say but we are going to win this year everyone. hopefully he is healthy and plays 3-4 games a week with some pinch abs. great guy to have and sorry to evans who will prob loose his spot but i dotn care much about that. cuz now he gets to play full time everyday in triple A. smart move and he will add a certain attitude to this team that i want to see.
Omar’s denial of playing time guarantees is especially significant. If they follow Manuel’s policy about playing time according to perfomance, everything will be fine. Sheff may wind up in a PH role and Dh’ing in inter-league series if he can’t handle the outfield. Church and Tatis should still get plenty of time depending upon how the 3 of them perform. Letting Marlon Anderson go to make room for Sheff is no loss. Nick Evans will have to wait in AAA for a call-up in case of an injury on the ML roster. If Sheff is productive this is a great move at a very cheap price, especially keeping him away from the Phils. And Mike Francesa is a self-inflated egotist who spouts off without knowing what he is talking about. Eddie C is by far the more informed analyst for Mets news. I can’t understand why folks call in to Francesa only to be insulted by his huge ego that requires continual reinforcement. He is a total creep and BS artist!