According to SI.com, the Mets have signed Gary Sheffield. It is believed the contract will be for the league minimum $400,000 – the Tigers would presumably pay the rest of Sheffield’s contract:

Sheffield chose the Mets over the Phillies and Reds because he believes he’ll get more playing time with the Mets — although Mets people have said no promises have been made.

He’s expected to be mainly a right-handed pinch hitter off the bench and occasionally spell Ryan Church in right field. Mets people also hope the added competition might spur Church, who struggled in the second half last year.

Let’s see…

• Aging Slugger… Check
• Bad Attitude… Check
• Right Handed Power Bat in the Outfield… Check

It looks like the only thing holding back the Mets from signing Manny Ramirez was a few million dollars.