Reds Interested in Sheffield

[HammerTime]

Others as well...

I was on the beach when I got a Twitter, or is it Tweet, that Dusty Baker told Paul Daugherty of Enquirer/WLW the Reds were talking to Gary Sheffield tomorrow.

Walt Jocketty confirmed. Shocks me a bit. But why not?

Last season, Sheffield hit a .225 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI in 114 games with Detroit. He has a career .292 average with 499 home runs.

He's a right-handed bat. I don't have spring training day-by-days but Jonny Gomes cooled off after a hot start

"Perhaps, it’s something we’ve talked about," Jocketty said. "We’re going to at least explore the possibility. He’s still a threat in the lineup … if the price is right."

The Reds have said they are at or near their player payroll, which will be in the $70 million range. But the Tigers released Sheffield. They own hitm $14 million.

[stick1]

I thought about it yesterday. His better days are behind him. Stinks for him he is only 1 HR away!

[John Anthony]

His rep sounds sketchy....not sure if you want that around a young club.

[westsider]

I love Sheffield and I think he's gotten a bad rap for much of his career, but his history shows that he isn't happy if he isn't in the lineup every day.

[LCPATS]

I would take him, if the price was right. Woudn't hurt to have a veteran right hander. Who knows, some ab's at GABP might revive his career a little.

 

I thought the other names mentioned were very interesting. Jenkins, Jones and Pedro Martinez....

[TubbyCAT]

Bring him in for the right price!

[westsider]

Bring him in for the right price!

For the Reds, the price is right ... they would be paying him the major league minimum for his experience.

 

The key questions are whether he will be the right fit and whether he has anything left in the tank?

[futurecoach]

I am not sure if I would want him here or not.

[Baseballguy]

I am not sure if I would want him here or not.

 

 

Seems from what everyone's been saying, the Team chemistry is real good right now, not sure if I'd wanna mess with that.

[tenaciousD]

His rep sounds sketchy....not sure if you want that around a young club.

 

Agreed

[whywhywhy]

I know I'm in the minority, but I think this guy can get us over the hump...He is a run producer...sign him, put him in the 4 hole, move phillips to the 2 hole, and ride it out as long as he stays healthy, platoon Dickerson and Taveras in center and let Sheff swing the bat...I understand he struggled last year, but he is healthier and the cost will not be much..

[tenaciousD]

I just don't think he is going to produce enough to be considered for the four spot, and I really just don't know where else to put him.

[spindoc]

At one time, it was well known that Shef had the quickest bat in the league, no fastball he couldn't catch up to, however, that was many moons ago. I do agree that for the right price, he could possibly be a help. Let's face it, the Reds have to take flyers on guys in his situation and hope that it works. If he becomes a distraction, I just wonder if Dusty has the cahones to send him packing?

[LRCW]

At one time, it was well known that Shef had the quickest bat in the league, no fastball he couldn't catch up to, however, that was many moons ago. I do agree that for the right price, he could possibly be a help. Let's face it, the Reds have to take flyers on guys in his situation and hope that it works. If he becomes a distraction, I just wonder if Dusty has the cahones to send him packing?

 

 

I don't think Dusty is making the calls on the roster makeup anymore.

[spindoc]

I don't think Dusty is making the calls on the roster makeup anymore.

So, he has no input?

 

Okay, then I'll pass the buck onto Walt, will he cut bait with him if he tanks by mid-May?