"The Buzz around the City of Sarasota Sports Complex wasn't about The Last Day of the Cincinnati Reds. It was more about a possible arrival, the possible signing of free agent Gary Sheffield.

It hasn't happened, and may not happen. Sheffield wants a playing role and it isn't likely the Reds have that kind of employment for the 40-year-old outfielder who is one home run shy of 500

Manager Dusty Baker said there were never plans to meet with Sheffield, "That I was just talking with him," and general manager Walt Jocketty said there are no plans to meet with Sheffield or his people.

If Sheffield played, left field is the location, but Sheffield hasn't played regular defense in nearly three years. Asked if he thought Sheffield could play left field, manager Dusty Baker said, "I don't know. I haven't seen him."

It might be a bit late to find out now, isn't it, four days from Opening Day?

As for his relationship with Sheffield, Baker said, "I've known Sheffield forever, ever since he came into the league with Milwaukee. He was real tight with a couple of my homeys from Sac (Sacramento, Calif.). I've known him a long time.

"I'm sure he has some offers," Baker added. "I asked (GM) Walt Jocketty for permission to make the call to Sheffield. I made the call and Walt talked to Bob Castellini. I talked to Jim Leyland (Tigers manager) because Shef hasn't played the outfield in a long time.

"I'm told his teammates like him, even though he is straight-forward and says what he wants, which is what he gets publicity for," Baker said. "But I'm told he keeps quiet and is off to himself in a corner of the clubhouse.""