Club Decides Against Offers for Sheffield

Major league general managers, meeting this week at Amelia Island, Fla., expressed interest Monday in acquiring Gary Sheffield, but the Dodgers are not accepting offers for the all-star left fielder.

General Manager Kevin Malone said the Dodgers plan to retain Sheffield.

“Gary Sheffield is a Dodger, he had an MVP-type season and he’s an important part of our club’s future,” Malone said.

“We’re going to keep all of our options open, and we’re always looking to get better, but I would be surprised if Gary Sheffield was not starting in left field for the Dodgers in 2001. Very surprised.”

Even so, the Dodgers might move Sheffield if they sign free-agent shortstop Alex Rodriguez.

Sheffield, who batted .325 with 43 home runs and 109 runs batted in, is signed through 2004. He will make $9.5 million in 2001 and 2002, and $11 million in 2003. The Dodgers hold an $11-million option in 2004.

Rodriguez, expected to make at least $20 million a season in his next contract, has said he wants to play for the Dodgers, Atlanta Braves or New York Mets, and Malone said the Dodgers are interested. “On Mr. Rodriguez, we have to meet with [agent] Scott [Boras] before we would meet with A-Rod,” Malone said. “I don’t think there are any questions about A-Rod’s makeup and ability, it’s just a matter of being [fiscally] responsible.”

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Determined to retain Dave Wallace, the Mets have denied the Dodgers permission to speak with their pitching coach, who formerly worked for the Dodgers. Believing Wallace, whose contract expires Dec. 31, might not return for a coaching job, the Dodgers are prepared to create a front-office position that would enable him to work with pitchers and assist in other areas.