Answer: Maybe

News this morning that the Mets were intrigued with signing Sheffield is welcome news. The Mets have long had an interest in Sheffield since he used to visit his uncle, Dwight Gooden, in the Mets clubhouse. Joe McIlvaine had seen Sheffield play as a youngster and knew that he was exteremely talented.

But Sheffield has not produced at previous career levels either during the past two seasons or during the spring. He’s been used primarily as a DH, playing only 18 games in the OF.

At any rate, the Mets are likely to be looking hard at this and Sheffield is equally as likely to be interested in playing for the Mets.
For a club who already looked pretty good on paper, the addition of a slugger of Sheffield’s status immediately improves the club. He creates competition for playing time and comes at a discount. Sheffield has some options and will probably looking for some garuntees for a future contract.

The Mets would have to cut loose someone to get him. Is this a good idea? The name being thrown out there is Marlon Anderson’s. Anderson also plays the infield and provides depth and 2B. Sheffield actually is better compared to Fernando Tatis, whom had a far better spring and 2008 season than Sheffield.

It will be interesting to see what they do.

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Little things….Santana’s elbow, Pelfrey’s calf, Maine’s reluctance, Oliver’s weekned in Mexico. Nevermind the fifth starter, but whomever it is will be further along that the fisrt two slots somehow. Hell, maybe the Mets need to be getting a 6th starter ready.

Joking aside, this is not a bad thing. Let them get their full steam that first start, and rely on all those relievers that the Mets will keep. Heaven knows Putz and K-Rod will be ready when they return after some fine tuning in split squads and AAA games.

I still want to see Bobby Parnell and Jon Biese start in AAA so they get regular work. Maybe even use Parnell to close games, then bring him up when you know he can take the seventh and anothther out before or after. Niese needs to dominate AAA for a few starts while he is able to take a regular turn. And the Mets want their fifth starter to take the fifth day.

The stregth of the club is in its pitching staff. It is very close to happening

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Two pitchers, both 21, were suspended for testing positive for banned substances. Jose Valentin and Leandro Geremy were both suspended for steroids that were to be injected.

Its been believed that for athletes to acquire steroids and other banned substances is far much easier in latin speaking countries. Information is spread by word of mouth and leaves no paper or internet trail. These two were 21, old by their own standard in a camp with alot of teenagers. They were willing to take a chance to distinguish themselves in any way they could to get to the states and chase their dream.

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Thank goodness it looks like Kuntz can help. Gave up a bunt single then three straight groundball outs. He has a very lively and hard sinker. Matt Cerrone smartly points out that it will be helpful when he enters games with men on.

Congrats on the Geico add, too, Matt. You’re creating quite a niche for yourself.

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