Maybe age has humbled Gary Sheffield. Maybe during his injury shortened 2008 season, or even as recently as last month during his stint with the Detroit Tigers, Sheffield realized he’s not Gary Sheffield anymore. The 1996, 2000 or 2003 Gary Sheffield, that is. The .320, 40 HR, 120 RBI, .430 OBP, .620 SLG, 1.000 OPS in 150+ games Gary Sheffield.

That Gary Sheffield began slowly fading in 2004, collecting fewer hits and, subsequently, dropping his batting average and on-base percentage some 30 points. In 2006, he played in just 39 games due to injury. In two seasons with the Tigers Sheffield reached new lows, batting .265 and .225 respectively. The bat was a little slower, the legs a little tighter, another step lost and, now, his ability to play defensively is in question.

No one has a more intimate view of the attrition Gary Sheffield went through than Gary Sheffield himself. Great athletes know when they’re a half-second slower and, the pitch they once pulled over third base bag, they’re fouling off down the right field line or worse, missing altogether. The opposing pitchers aren’t necessarily better or faster — younger maybe — but it’s age and reflex that’s responsible for what was and now is.

As the Mets manager Jerry Manuel thought out loud to the media this week, suggesting Sheffield could get his first start this weekend in Florida … or maybe when the Mets return to New York to play the San Diego Padres at Citi Field, Sheffield quietly went about his business, getting ready for the opportunity.

If history were any indication of how Sheffield would respond, the outspoken, unvarnished he would begin demanding his due. His numbers, his production, his talent were being wasted otherwise.

But this Gary Sheffield told the New York media he was happy to start a couple games a week, plus a few pinch hit appearances. It’s Gary “Get me 10-12 plate appearances per week and I’m happy” Sheffield. No demands, no expectations, no cutting remarks to the media about his playing time.

“I’m not saying I’m going to be an everyday outfielder no more,” he said. “I understand my role. Whatever they ask me to do, that’s what I’m going to try to do. If they ask me to come off the bench, they won’t hear a peep out of me … Like I said before, I don’t have to play baseball. Let’s get that straight. I was content 100 percent. This is about making history [with 500 home runs] and just showing my family I still can do it. To show myself, too.”

At 40, Gary Sheffield is showing a kinder, gentler side but, for the Mets sake, with the same angry, lethal swing.