Could Sheffield Be Seeing Red?

The Gary Sheffield Job Seeking Tour makes a stop in Cincinnati today (well, more likely in Sarasota, where the Reds train) as Dusty Baker told MLB.com that they'll meet up today, after Sheff officially clears waivers.  Reds GM Walt Jocketty confirmed his team's interest, as well.

"We are going to talk," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty confirmed. "Dusty talked with him [on Tuesday] night. The two have a history. We have to wait for him to clear waivers [Thursday], but we'll talk after that. We have interest because he is a legitimate big bat to add to our lineup."

Of course, the question for any National League team that's interested in Sheffield (Ken Davidoff is trying to figure out how Sheff might fit in the New York Mets' lineup) is whether or not he can still play the outfield.  Sheff insists he can, as we know.  And if he signed with the Reds, he'd probably see a lot more time out there (as a left fielder) than he might with the Phillies.  That, along with "a history" between Sheff and Baker could give Cincinnati an edge.  

Sheffield would also be a less costly option (in terms of money and players) than Gary Matthews, Jr., who's been linked to the Reds in trade rumors.

Red Reporter, however, doesn't think Sheffield brings anything better than what the planned left field platoon of Chris Dickerson and Jonny Gomes would provide.  Opinion seems a bit mixed among the RR commenters.

The Dayton Daily News' Hal McCoy thinks it's a bad idea, as well, thinking Geoff Jenkins might be a better move for the Reds.  McCoy also talks with Baker about how far he and Sheffield go back.  Baker mentions, however, that Sheff might be asked to play some first base, and that didn't go so well with the Yankees.

UPDATE: Based on what Baker told him, the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay says he doesn't expect Sheffield to sign with the Reds.  Meanwhile, Todd Zolecki thinks the Phillies "very much want" to get Sheff once he clears waivers this afternoon.

(via MLB Trade Rumors)