There can be only one reason why the Mets, who ran Gary Sheffield through waivers on Aug. 7, won’t trade him.  He was claimed by the Braves, Marlins or even the Phillies.  The team that claimed him has ot been disclosed, but the Mets would have a tough time in the media if they sent one of their most productive players to a team that they still have to play and who is still in the hunt for a play-off berth.  Imagine the headlines- Sheffield seals deal for Braves, or Sheffiled powers Marlins into playoffs.  Neither would be pretty.

Of course, the Mets could use the prospect brought back for him.  So that leaves one other explanation.  Once a player has been claimed, the team has a 48 hour window to work out a deal with the claiming team.  If the team were the Phillies for example, they have little to gain from actually acquiring Sheff, so they might not offer a prospect of any value, knowing that either they get Sheffield for nothing or they have virtually stopped him from being traded to the Braves or Marlins. That window has long since closed, btw.

These are both guesses, obviously.  But, they are much better stabs in the dark than the idea the Mets are keeping Sheff because he is the brightest spot at Shea.

UPDATE: Just read that it was the Giants that actually claimed Sheff, but that they would not give up anything for him- anything the Mets considered quality that is.  Do remember that one teams definition of “top talent” is not necessarily that of another.  It just goes to show though that many in the New York media find it easier or better to just report that the Mets are interested in making their player unhappy, then giving fans the real story- or even the possible real story.  No way the team holds him for no reason at all.