Gary Sheffield, Johnny Damon say they'd like to play for Tampa Bay Rays

LAKE BUENA VISTA — The Rays are looking for a couple of hitters, and there's a pair of proven veterans looking to join them.

Both Johnny Damon and Gary Sheffield said Tuesday night they are interested in signing with the Rays.

Damon, 37, talked with the Rays last spring before signing with Detroit, but they didn't have a regular role for him. Now he would like to fill their opening in leftfield.

Tampa's Sheffield, 42, wants to play again after sitting out last season and would like to do so for his hometown team. He said financial terms wouldn't be an issue: "We can work that out."

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer