GM Steve Phillips possesses a long list of outfielders who could upgrade the Mets’ ragged offense. Among the most interesting on his ledger is Gary Sheffield.
The Mets have flirted with the idea of obtaining Sheffield for years, most recently last spring when then Dodger GM Kevin Malone was desperate to trade the unhappy Sheffield. Phillips offered Dennis Cook and Darryl Hamilton, showing his lack of interest.
Now, Phillips is considering a mulligan on Sheffield. However, with the Dodgers not as desperate to trade Sheffield, there are some serious barriers to a deal.
None is bigger than the fact, as a player in a multi-year deal, Sheffield is expected to ask for his contract to be re-negotiated, if traded.
Sheffield, who turns 33 tomorrow, is scheduled to make $22 million over the next two years with a club option for 2004 at $13 million. He will want more money and years, if dealt.
With the Mets not wanting to go beyond last year’s $95.5 million payroll, money will be a big part of any trade they make.
The Dodgers covet Armando Benitez. The Mets will not rule out trading Benitez, but they think very highly of him. Despite his inability to close out big games, the 29-year-old Benitez converted 43 out of 46 saves this year. Benitez’ contract is club friendly at just over $12 million the next two seasons.
Unless the Mets return John Franco to the closer role, it makes little financial sense to trade Benitez. Bringing in another closer, like free agent Jason Isringhausen, would cost the team between $6-and-$8 million per year, the same as Benitez.
The 29-year-old Isringhausen converted 34 out of 43 save opportunities this year. Dan Horwits, Isringhausen’s agent, said yesterday the Mets have contacted him.
This opens up more speculation, but it is more likely an indication of Phillips keeping his options open in case he unexpectedly trades Benitez.
If the Dodgers backed off Benitez, then Sheffield would become more of a real possibility. A deal starting with Jay Payton and Glendon Rusch would be much more to the Mets’ liking. The Mets would still, though, need to add another player in an expanded trade with either Edgardo Alfonzo or Alex Escobar perhaps being included.
While Sheffield could one day be coming, there is almost no question Benny Agbayani will be gone.
Horwits, who’s also Agbayani’s agent, said he’s talked this week with Agbayani. Horwits said Agbayani is considering the possibility of being sold to the Yomouri Giants. A deal for more than $1 million has been discussed between the Mets and Giants, but nothing is final yet. Agbayani can veto a move to Japan. If he does, expect Agbayani to be traded.
When free agency starts next week, the Mets will be surveying the financial scope of the market, trying to make a flourish.
They have a long list of names from Barry Bonds to Jeromy Burnitz to Moises Alou to Johnny Damon to Roger Cedeno to Darin Erstad. Most, if not all, of the names will eventually be crossed off. Sheffield will be considered.
