POSSIBILITIES APLENTY BUT NO DEAL SHEFFIELD TRADE MIGHT INCLUDE CUBS.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

VERO BEACH, Fla. - The Dodgers have plenty of possibilities in their efforts to trade disgruntled outfielder Gary Sheffield, but no deal is in sight.

General manager Kevin Malone declined to talk specifics on Tuesday, but baseball officials said the Mets remain the most active team in the bidding for the All-Star left fielder. They added there was strong interest from the Chicago Cubs, and the Dodgers believe a three-team deal might be their best option if the Mets lose interest.

While Mets general manager Steve Phillips says he won't trade either Mike Piazza or Edgardo Alfonzo, the Dodgers remain optimistic Phillips will change his mind. The Dodgers are proposing a deal to send Sheffield and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek to the Mets for Alfonzo and either young outfielder Jay Payton or an outfield prospect, sources said.

``They don't seem to want to do a deal for prospects,'' Phillips said. ``That very well may change, and if it does, we'll listen.''

Malone also had meaningful talks with the Cubs about sending Sheffield to Chicago for Sammy Sosa. However, Sosa, eligible for free agency after the season, has the ability to block any trade. He's looking for a contract extension at $17 million per year over five or six seasons, and Dodgers managing partner, CEO and chairman Bob Daly doesn't want to negotiate a long-term deal because of a possible luxury tax in the next collective-bargaining agreement.

Sosa might accept a trade to the Dodgers even without a contract extension because of potential endorsement revenue in the Los Angeles market. Malone has also spoken with the Cubs and Mets about a three-team deal: Sosa would come to the Dodgers, Sheffield would go to the Mets and the Cubs would receive prospects.

The news that the Dodgers and Cubs were talking didn't surprise former L.A. catcher Todd Hundley, who signed as a free agent with Chicago in the offseason.

``We talked last year about getting out of Los Angeles and thought about (coming to the Cubs),'' Hundley said. ``I told Sheff I was going to do everything I could do to get here. I would love to have him here. The fans here are great. It's a totally different vibe than Los Angeles. (L.A.) has been in a little disarray, a little funky.''

Among other possibilities:

--The Yankees remain involved, a baseball official said. Sheffield was supposed to meet with George Steinbrenner in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, in an attempt to decide whenther the Yankees could afford the outfielder.

--The Cardinals' J.D. Drew could be acquired in a straight trade for Sheffield.

--Houston outfielder Moises Alou could be sent to the Dodgers in a three-team deal, possibly with the Cardinals.

--The Tampa Bay Devil Rays believe Sheffield, a six-time All-Star, would be a perfect fit since he lives in St. Petersburg.

--Malone spoke with Atlanta general manager John Schuerholz about a deal, but the Braves aren't willing to include Javy Lopez.

--The Texas Rangers offered Rusty Greer as part of a package.

``(Any deal) is in the alpha stages because of the lack of information out there,'' Malone said. ``A lot of clubs thought they were part of the no-trade list. I've contacted every club and had discussions with every club. We've gotten some initial proposals, but they're unsatisfactory at this point.''

Sheffield's agent, Jim Neader, said he thought the situation was beyond repair and there was no chance his client would remain a Dodger. However, Neader again said he expected Sheffield to report to camp if there's no deal by Feb. 27.

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Photo: GARY SHEFFIELD

Veteran outfielder could wind up at Shea Stadium or even Wrigley Field.