Did Gary Sheffield get the respect he deserved? (PHOTO BY ICON SMI)

Gary Sheffield made a positive impact on the 2009 New York Mets even though the season ended in an extremely disappointing way, but most likely Sheffield has played his last game as a New York Met.

When Sheffield was brought to the Mets in April, due mainly to the recruitment efforts of David Wright, there was a huge buzz about it because of Sheffield’s bad boy reputation from his days in Detroit and New York as a Yankee.

With the barrage of injuries to the star players, Sheffield stepped up and played the game as a true professional on and off the field, he was a model citizen and many fans did admit that they were wrong about the perceived negative impact he would have on the Mets.

The other interesting fact is that when the fans were doubtful of Sheffield’s impact and presence, both Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel let the blame and doubt fall on David Wright’s shoulders.  Once it was obvious that Sheffield was a positive influence, the story changed , the whole organization worked together to secure Sheffield.

Sheffield was possibly interested in four teams, the Mets were on of them mainly due to the fact that he wanted to return to New York and David Wright sent a text message to Sheffield and that was the deal maker for the transaction.  Sheffield said “when the face of the franchise contacts me, that means a lot”, so it was done, no mention of Mets front office cooperation or conversation at all from Sheffield.

In late August, Sheffield approached Omar Minaya about being released to go to the San Francisco Giants who were in contention at the time, when Minaya hesitated, Sheffield asked about the plans for his future as a New York Met.

Minaya did not give him any indication as far as a promise for a contract, not even for a one year deal that would give him job security and a thank you of sorts for stepping up and being a positive contributor to the team.

Omar Minaya is searching for a left fielder for the 2010 season and is working hard at securing either Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, but nothing is being said about Sheffield’s possible return, while it may happen, it is very unlikely as Minaya knows that a major shake up is needed for the roster.

Gary Sheffield did miss most of the final weeks of the season due to back spasms and related issues, but by that time the Mets season was over, and the bad blood was there between Sheffield and the Mets front office