The news came out today that the Reds officially have interest in Gary Sheffield. Really? Sheff was a great talent in his prime, but it seems to me like he's another Griffey right now. He has great career numbers, and still gets respect at the plate (499 career home runs) but he's been hampered by injuries the past couple seasons and hasn't been at his best. There's a reason Detroit cut him when they did.
Although, there certainly is a hole where this guy could fit in. All winter the Reds were looking for a right handed power hitter that could play left field. He certainly fits the bill here, if he can stay healthy. Plus, with the Tigers on the hook for the majority of his salary the Reds could get by with paying him the major league minimum. Not a high risk at all. The drawback I see of signing him would be that Johnny Gomes would most likely lose the roster spot that he has worked so hard to earn this spring. He would almost certainly lose his chance, and it's possible that Dickerson would also lose playing time. While I wouldn't be fuming mad if the Reds did sign him, I think that it's time right now to see if Dickerson or Gomes can do the job in left. If we were actually thought to be contenders this year then I would definitely try to sign him. But as it is I say let the younger guys play.
