THE Mets pulled Gary Sheffield off waivers last week when he was claimed by an unidentified team. This means Sheffield cannot be traded for the remainder of the season. He can be placed on waivers again, but this time, the Mets would not be able to negate a claim.
This means that they would lose their most professional hitter left standing for nothing by going that route, not even financial relief, since the Mets are only paying him $400,000 for the season after the Tigers released him toward the end of spring training.
Still, even given that set of circumstances, Sheffield told The Post last night that he does not expect to finish the year in a Mets uniform and he might not even finish the year in major league uniform, period.
“Based on what I know now, no, I do not think I will be here,” Sheffield said before the Mets’ 9-4 victory over the Braves at Citi Field. “But if I am sent to a team that I don’t want to play for, I would go home.
“I have to look at everything. People always say they are going to do the right thing for you, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. If I don’t take care of myself, who will? That’s what I focus on.”
Sheffield, who went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs in the Mets’ eight-run, 10-hit fourth inning, has been taking care of himself and his teammates all season. He’s batting .290 with 10 homers and 43 RBIs in 245 at-bats. He certainly would be a formidable weapon for a contender in need of a right-handed bat.
According to industry sources, Florida and Texas are in search of such a commodity. As an NL team, the Marlins, for whom Sheffield played from 1993 to 1998, would get their shot at a claim before the Rangers.
Sheffield did not cite specific teams that he would refuse to join. Rather, he was adamant about not wanting to put himself in the position of being perceived as a savior.
“I’d go to a team where they already have [a strong lineup],” said Sheffield, who will turn 41 in November. “I don’t want to go someplace where I would be seen as the guy who would make the difference, because if that didn’t happen, then it would be [blamed] on me.
“The light always seems to be on me. I’ve had that light on me for [my whole career]. I don’t need that now.”
Sheffield, who left no doubt he intends to play next season, said that he neither has been given nor promised input into his immediate future by GM Omar Minaya.
“No, there’s been no talk about that,” he said. “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Even if Sheffield is sent away this season, the Mets would be advised to invite him back next year to assume the role of fourth outfielder and pinch-hitter that he was originally designed to fill. Sheffield has been an outstanding Met; upstanding, too.
“There’s no doubt in my mind he could help [next season],” said manager Jerry Manuel. “Gary’s situation probably depends more on his health than anything, but as far as a hitter on this level, no doubt.”
Sheffield has been bothered by a tight hamstring. Still, he believes that this season has validated his resolute belief in himself this spring when so many pegged him as finished.
“I’ve built confidence this year that I can still hit for power,” said Sheffield, who has 509 career homeruns and is 314 hits shy of 3,000. I’ve never played in a hitters’ ballpark. Put me in Yankee Stadium right now and you’re talking about 50 home runs.
“I’ve made up my mind [about next year]. I love to play at a high level. But things have to happen.”
Meaning a team of his liking would have to offer him a contract. Regardless of where Sheffield winds up this season, the Mets should be that team.