The Yankees reportedly plan to pick up their option on OF (or, briefly, 1B) Gary Sheffield.

Now they just need to figure out what team he’ll play for.

From the NY Daily News’ Bill Madden:

The biggest buzz among the few general managers attending the World Series is the silent auction the Yankees have apparently already begun for Gary Sheffield. It turns out that Yankee GM Brian Cashman had always intended to pick up Sheffield’s $13 million option for next year – but not for the purposes of keeping him. Once the Yankees acquired Bobby Abreu from the Phillies at last July’s trading deadline, it was clear Sheffield no longer fit in their plans, but by picking up his option, they can now get something for him. And it could be a nice return as at least a half-dozen teams – the Angels, Orioles, Cubs, Giants, Astros and Rangers – are in the market for a power-hitting corner outfielder, and that doesn’t include the Red Sox and Mets. The Yankees can now prevent Sheffield going to such rivals, not a possibility had they let him flee.What makes Sheffield especially attractive is that much of his $13 million salary for next year is deferred, making him a much cheaper alternative to the only two premier corner outfielders on the free agent market, Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee.

One GM admitted to having called Cashman last week about Sheffield. “To be honest,” he said, “I was kind of put off, leaving me to believe he’s got at least a couple of teams really pushing him hard (for Sheffield).”

I like the thinking here, depending upon what Sheffield can bring back. I doubt it’ll be a front-line starter or a stud prospect, but if they can get a solid role-player … outstanding. Would it be better to bring Sheff back period? Possibly. But if his act has worn thin (again), then getting something is better than not.