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.
