Ben Sheets. . .

by Seattle Cubs Fan on Jan 4, 2009 6:02 PM CST Comment 60 comments

With all the talk about adding another pitcher, and now with a rotation spot empty with the likely departure of Jason Marquis, instead of looking at a trade for Jake Peavy, why not investigate a free agent deal for Ben Sheets?

The market for him really hasn't materialized, and he may be available in a fairly cheap one year deal. Obviously he is a injury risk, but with the depth they have in starting pitching (Marshall, Gaudin, maybe Shark), it may be a good idea to kick the tires.

If everyone stays fairly healthy, talk about formidable rotation:

Zambrano - Sheets - Dempster - Harden - Lilly

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I don't think this is a good idea...

I don’t think the market for Sheets will be such that he can be had for cheap enough. And since it seems we’ll be spending most of our remaining offseason funds on Bradley, I don’t think we’ll be able to afford him.

Further, I’m not sure I’m excited about taking on another very injury-prone starter even if he could be afforded. We already have Harden, who’s likely to miss 10 or more starts in any given season.

by SouthernCub on Jan 4, 2009 6:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Who knows??

I also think his price tag will be too steep, but who really knows in the present economy? Maybe Sheets would consider a 1 year deal in hopes that the market will be better next year. He also wouldn’t have to be the #1 or even #2 guy on the Cubs, maybe allowing him to avoid the injury bug. Its a long shot, but Sheets might actually prefer this route for a year.

by Tate491 on Jan 4, 2009 7:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If the view that the Cubs are done after Bradley is right

then obviously Sheets isn’t in the plans.

But if Gammons is right when he says Hendry hasn’t given up on Peavy – you have to ask why not Sheets in place of Peavy? Especially if Sheets can be had for the equivelant of just the two good years on Peavy’s contract.

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Jan 4, 2009 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

we go back to the budget

We are at $125 M+/- and it appears transparent to me that $141M+/- this year as the near the absolute limits, (like how $120M was probably the limit in ’08 and $100M was the limit in ’07).

If Sheets who has genuine ability but has the durability of Harden but he did make $12.5M last year and I doubt will go for anything less.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Jan 5, 2009 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Market for Sheets (and Jon Garland and Randy Wolf) should start heating up

I think Ben Sheets will land on his feet in a pretty good situation for himself. Not sure where, but I think he will get the chance to make good money on an incentive laden deal.

by BLou on Jan 4, 2009 6:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Once Lowe signs...

SOMEONE will take a chance on Sheets. He’ll get more from somebody else than we can afford to risk on a very injury prone (though also very talented) starting pitcher.

by SouthernCub on Jan 4, 2009 6:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A healthy Ben Sheets is a near dominant pitcher

It could be the case that some team is going to strike gold with Sheets on a shorter-term deal. I don’t subscribe to the theory that Sheets is a mini-Mark Prior. Sheets has good mechanics and has made impressive strides in what formerly ailed his throwing motion. He could be one of those guys who finally overcomes the injury thing and all of a sudden wins a Cy Young in 2009. Same story holds true on Rich Harden, though even a healthy Harden is less of a workhorse than a healthy Sheets.

by BLou on Jan 4, 2009 6:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And Harden's mechanics..............

…………are not likely to allow him to pitch without injury.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Jan 4, 2009 7:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Harden gets a lot of torque behind his pitches

And he is not the biggest guy in the world. So yes, I agree with your assessment. But all I know is that when Harden is healthy he is filthy good.

by BLou on Jan 4, 2009 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Jan 4, 2009 7:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not Sheets

Sheets pitches good if he is not hurt! but one when was the last time he has not been hurt? two he is a club house horror! he has to be that number one guy so him being a 3rd, 4th, or 5th starter probably wouldnt entice him. Even if he would i still dont like his swagger in the club house. He is too cocky and quits on his team! When the brewers needed him the most last year he wussed out with a forearm strain! not a tear or a pull but a strained arm! he quit the last month and a half on his team! thats not what we need!

by bizzle4 on Jan 5, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't aware of the insights into the Brewer clubhouse like you were. Next time, please keep us abreast of

all the developments so we can be insiders like you. Based on your account, I find it hard to belive that any team would want to sign this guy. In fact, I’m surprised he was ever in baseball.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 5, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Odd that none of those guys has been signed yet.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 4, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The longer they remain unsigned, the stronger the case gets for

some underhanded dealing by the owners. I personally do not think there is any evidence of any type of collusion, it’s just that there are some pretty good players not being signed. Maybe it is related to the economy. It’s possible that one of these guys will be signed soon and the dam will break.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 4, 2009 8:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's the economy, not collusion.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 5, 2009 4:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Look at the NFL games that didn't sell out.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Jan 5, 2009 8:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

Although, it didn’t seem to stop people from buying high-priced tickets to the Winter Classic.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 5, 2009 8:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Once in a life-time though for the WC

versus a game (albeit playoff) that was created for TV. For me at least, is there a sport with lots of action that is better suited for TV that football.

I agree the economy will affect lots of sports. The AFL may be folding – they’re already on hold for 2009 – NBA and NFL attendance is flat at best and MLB will be affected. Even the NHL-leading Blackhawks attendance will be affected come next season. This year however a vast majority of the tickets were bought before the real market down turn in September.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Jan 5, 2009 9:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nailed it.

Football is the ultimate made-for-TV sport. Having been to a couple games (at the Metro/Deflato-dome – blargh!) I can say with certainty that during all those wonderful pauses when people are trying to sell you beer, tires, shaving products, and televisions, there is absolutely nothing happening on the field.

NFL football in person is downright dull.

by MN exile on Jan 5, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was saying this a couple weeks ago

I think Sheets could be a good addition to the team but the only problem is you have to watch him and Harden. If god forbid they both go down with injuries at the same time (not to mention we really don’t know how Big Z has been feeling) it isn’t worth the risk for the team. However, he needs to be kept away from the NL Central. Even if Sheets makes 15 starts there’s a very very good chance he’ll have 10 wins with those.

by ak123 on Jan 4, 2009 7:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

out of the two of them…atleast one can be healthy during all parts of the season…….

I wouldn’t mind sheets but I think the money can be spent other ways to help the team more.

by cubsmania on Jan 4, 2009 7:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The problem with that mentality

The problem with hoping one or the other would be healthy during the season brings the Cubs to what they had with Wood and Prior. Granted we have other pitchers who will be efficient.

I think it’s fair to say that Sheets and Harden can make atleast 45 starts combined. I also don’t think it’s out of the question to assume out of those 45 starts they can produce 30-35 wins (we also have a weaker bullpen to worry about).

by ak123 on Jan 4, 2009 9:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno, He's gonna be asking for a lot

However, if he isn’t signed until February, we could snatch him up. However, I don’t really like the idea of Harden and Sheets in the same rotation with really only one backup starter..

BCB Works Miracles: It saved my English grade!

by Chanman25 on Jan 4, 2009 7:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The idea of Harden and Sheets in a rotation together scares me as well

Otherwise I would be all for it, but that is too much injury risk.

Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.

by nji232 on Jan 4, 2009 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gut feeling

(and I hope I’m wrong)

Zambrano’s the injury risk this year, not Harden (or Sheets).

I’m not a doc, but have been conditioned by this team over the years to fear the worst.

by leothelip on Jan 4, 2009 8:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If the Cubs are interested in another high risk pitcher

here’s an idea

<img src=“http://www.monkeyview.net/”mailto:framness@athenet.net">framness@athenet.net/default/Pitcher1.jpg"/>

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Jan 4, 2009 9:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How bout these High Risk Pitchers

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Jan 4, 2009 9:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Insert joke about pitching velocity and JUGS gun here...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jan 4, 2009 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Suddenly, I am dying of thirst.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 4, 2009 9:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sweet fancy moses...

That is a wonderful way to start off my 30th birthday. You are a good man, cubfreak

"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett

by The Ryno and I Know on Jan 5, 2009 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Happy Birthday

and enjoy the an ice cold Budweiser, or two

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton

by CubFreak on Jan 5, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, indeed.

It’s a beautiful day for ~~baseball~~ a birthday.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 5, 2009 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

By the way, tomorrow's my birthday. 51 and holding on by

my fingernails. God I hope they win this thing before I retire!

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 5, 2009 11:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, hey, Happy B-Day in advance.

And, given the current state of the economy, the Cubs may have a few more years to git ’er done than you originally anticipated.

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 5, 2009 11:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks. I'm going to be optimistic and believe that the championship will be

coming sooner than later.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 5, 2009 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy early birthday Willie!!!

by sue369 on Jan 5, 2009 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Sue. Take a bow. You have managed to change

my opinion of Iowa Hawkeye fans!

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 5, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by sue369 on Jan 6, 2009 7:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy birthday!

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Jan 5, 2009 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Z.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 5, 2009 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

German beer is the breast.

Wait, what?

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 4, 2009 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just like mother's milk.

Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.

by znohitter on Jan 4, 2009 10:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good start to the morning

here’s to you mr. big beer stein inventor.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Jan 5, 2009 8:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh

and

can’t tell cause beer is in the way/ maybe/ yes ///obligatory

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Jan 5, 2009 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Heidi, Heidi, Heidi Ho

That’ll make the worst days seem just a bit better.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Jan 5, 2009 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I get nervous about this because we’ve heard nothing about Zambrano. I’d actually like to hear an update that he’s feel just fine.

by ak123 on Jan 4, 2009 9:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would there be an offseason update when he's not pitching?

Unless he’s been on the computer too much, I’m assuming he’s fine till he picks up a baseball again.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 5, 2009 4:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Cubs.com usually has their weekly Q+A not to mention articles here and there on some of the players during the off season. I honestly would have expected one thing written by now about how he’s been feeling?

by ak123 on Jan 5, 2009 6:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe, but...

… I suspect the answer would have been “fine, until he picks up a baseball again”.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jan 5, 2009 8:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't he pitch in the classic last time?

We might get an indication if he pitches. And then again, if he doesn’t.

by Rick B on Jan 5, 2009 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

With all the cost cutting

can’t see the Cubs going after Sheets.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jan 4, 2009 9:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Hendry’s last significant financial expenditure will be on Milton Bradley. Other than that he will concentrate on adding good value role players at catcher and probably backup 1st baseman / pinch hitter deluxe. Maybe another bullpen arm too.

by BLou on Jan 5, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You heard it here first.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jan 5, 2009 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can add up to $140 million

Doesn’t take Houdini to understand the math. Cub payroll is widely speculated to be coming in at no more than $140 million and Hendry will be right about there after the Bradley addition.

by BLou on Jan 5, 2009 11:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

counting?

isn’t $140 million a statistic? You can’t judge baseball by statistics!!!

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 5, 2009 11:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

Are you really this petty?

by dr stabbingworth on Jan 5, 2009 11:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he reaps

what he sows.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Jan 5, 2009 12:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Houdini

Mathematician or Magician??

Or both? The original Sabermagician!

by Tate491 on Jan 5, 2009 11:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

His VORM (value over replacment magician) was par excellence.

by dat cubfan daver on Jan 5, 2009 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If the Cubs are going to try and sign a starter on the cheap

I’d rather see them target Garland – how no one has signed him yet surprises me. If the Cubs could get him on a backloaded deal, I’d take it (even with the 2010 payroll situation).

Plus, it’d make up for the Karchner debacle of years past.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Jan 5, 2009 1:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs