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Any takers? Dodgers GM: Other clubs interested in Sheffield
VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone seems optimistic that a deal can be worked out to meet outfielder Gary Sheffield's request to be traded. "I think there's enough interest. We've had so many calls," Malone said Tuesday at the Dodgers' spring training camp. "A player of Gary's abilities, who had an MVP-type season last year, there's a lot of interest. "It's just a matter of clubs figuring out at this late date how to do it, who to give up and how to make the necessary proposals. We'll see how it goes." Sheffield, a six-time All-Star, wants to be sent to Atlanta, the New York Yankees or New York Mets, or given more money and a contract extension by the Dodgers, whose agreement with him runs through the 2004 season.
Unwilling to meet his contract demands, the Dodgers are trying to deal him. Braves general manager John Schuerholz refused to comment Tuesday. At least one Atlanta player wouldn't mind having Sheffield as a teammate. "I'd like to see him here," catcher Eddie Perez said. "He's one of the best hitters in the league. You don't want him hitting against you. You want him hitting on your team." Malone already had offered Sheffield to the Mets for either Mike Piazza or Edgardo Alfonzo, but Mets GM Steve Phillips said those two players were virtually untouchable. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said he might not be able to afford to deal for Sheffield. Sheffield, 32, hit .325 with 43 homers and 109 RBIs last season. He is due $9.5 million in each of the next two seasons and $11 million in 2003. There's a team option for 2004 at $11 million. The left fielder is seeking a long-term contract extension and pay raise that would make him one of baseball's more highly paid players.
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