SARASOTA, Fla. - The Cincinnati Reds have interest in Gary Sheffield, and there probably will be a meeting with the outfielder and/or his representatives today, April 2, at Ed Smith Stadium.
Sheffield, one shy of 500 career home runs, was released this week by the Detroit Tigers. While he makes $14 million, the Reds could sign him for as little as the major-league minimum. "Sheffield and (manager) Dusty Baker have a history, and they talked yesterday," said Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty. "He has to clear waivers today, but we'll talk. We have interest, because he would be a legitimate big right-handed bat to add to our lineup."
Sheffield's agent, Rufus Williams, confirmed the interest, although he said Sheffield has interest from other teams.
"Gary is a wonderful talent," said Williams. "His plan was not to stop playing after last year and to not stop playing after this year. The doors are open, and teams have been contacting us expressing interest.
"Gary and Dusty have had a relationship for some time. The notion of playing for him would be an interesting one."
When he was released by the Tigers, Sheffield told writers, "I've got a lot left. I know that."
Sheffield, 40, feels he can play every day and would like to prove it. He would only play left field for the Reds, a position being contested this spring between Chris Dickerson, Jerry Hairston Jr., Jonny Gomes and Laynce Nix.
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