Gary Sheffield says he's '99.9 percent' sure he's going to retire

Gary Sheffield said he's "99.9 percent" sure he's going to retire.

Sheffield wanted to play for the Rays and had dinner with manager Joe Maddon last month. Maddon had said the meeting was just to get to know the Tampa native, with no expression of interest.

But the 42-year-old Sheffield, who last played for the Mets in 2009, told 1040-AM radio on Thursday that he felt "a little disrespected" he didn't get a call back.

Sheffield, a lifetime .292 hitter, has 509 home runs and 1,676 RBIs in his 22-year-career.

Rays signing: The Rays signed corner outfielder Chris Carter to a minor-league deal and an invitation to spring training. Carter, 28, a left-handed hitter, batted .263 with four homers and 24 RBIs for the Mets last season.

braves big deal: The Braves gave second baseman Dan Uggla the team's largest contract in nearly a decade. Uggla completed a $62 million, five-year contract, passing up the chance to perhaps earn a more lucrative deal in free agency after the 2011 season. Uggla, acquired from the Marlins in November, has averaged 31 homers, 100 runs scored and 93 RBIs over his five-year career.

Orioles: First baseman Derrek Lee signed a one-year contract. The 35-year-old had 19 homers and 80 RBIs in 148 games with the Cubs and Braves in 2010.

Padres: The team finalized a $3 million, one-year deal with ex-Ray Brad Hawpe to play first.

Phillies: Left-handed reliever J.C. Romero was re-signed to a one-year, $1.35 million deal.

Rangers: After examining details of Adrian Beltre's contract, Major League Baseball and the players union say they will consider it an $80 million, five-year deal.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.