04-02-2009, 01:28 PM
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Reds eye Sheffield
ESPN.com news services
SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Cincinnati Reds have an interest in free agent Gary Sheffield.
<b>Manager Dusty Baker says Thursday that he plans to talk to Sheffield, whom he has known for many years.</b> Baker acknowledged that the 40-year-old outfielder would have to accept a limited role with the Reds, who are set in the outfield. Sheffield could pinch-hit and be a fill-in at first base and in the outfield with Cincinnati.
The Philadelphia Phillies are among the teams who have expressed an interest in Sheffield. The Detroit Tigers released him on Tuesday after he batted only .178 in spring training.
Rufus Williams, the agent for Sheffield, told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Wednesday that there are "a number of teams that are expressing interest."
"Gary is going to be able to play this season. He is going to be able to play a couple more seasons, at least," Williams said.
Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday that the Phillies had initial talks with Sheffield's camp, and he wanted to gauge whether the nine-time All-Star would be comfortable in a reserve role.
<b>Asked if he knew for sure if Sheffield would have a starting position or would be a role player, Williams said: "I think no matter what happens, he'll have some opportunities. I think we'll see how these things play out. We'll see if that is starting or coming off the bench."</b>
Williams would not say exactly how many clubs are interested in Sheffield, but he did say it was "several teams."
Sheffield is currently in the process of being waived, and Williams was not sure if he would be on a roster by Opening Day.
"I think he can, it's a question of whether he will," he said.
In two seasons with the Tigers, Sheffield batted .247 and averaged 22 home runs and 66 RBIs.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
ESPN.com news services
SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Cincinnati Reds have an interest in free agent Gary Sheffield.
<b>Manager Dusty Baker says Thursday that he plans to talk to Sheffield, whom he has known for many years.</b> Baker acknowledged that the 40-year-old outfielder would have to accept a limited role with the Reds, who are set in the outfield. Sheffield could pinch-hit and be a fill-in at first base and in the outfield with Cincinnati.
The Philadelphia Phillies are among the teams who have expressed an interest in Sheffield. The Detroit Tigers released him on Tuesday after he batted only .178 in spring training.
Rufus Williams, the agent for Sheffield, told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Wednesday that there are "a number of teams that are expressing interest."
"Gary is going to be able to play this season. He is going to be able to play a couple more seasons, at least," Williams said.
Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday that the Phillies had initial talks with Sheffield's camp, and he wanted to gauge whether the nine-time All-Star would be comfortable in a reserve role.
<b>Asked if he knew for sure if Sheffield would have a starting position or would be a role player, Williams said: "I think no matter what happens, he'll have some opportunities. I think we'll see how these things play out. We'll see if that is starting or coming off the bench."</b>
Williams would not say exactly how many clubs are interested in Sheffield, but he did say it was "several teams."
Sheffield is currently in the process of being waived, and Williams was not sure if he would be on a roster by Opening Day.
"I think he can, it's a question of whether he will," he said.
In two seasons with the Tigers, Sheffield batted .247 and averaged 22 home runs and 66 RBIs.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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