http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck/2009/01/orioles_demystifying_ben_sheet.html
Schmuck argues that it does not make sense for the Orioles to sign Sheets, mainly due to Sheets’ injury history.
While I have no illusions about the O’s signing Sheets, it is those injury concerns which make signing him a possibility.
Heading into this off-season, Tom Tango’s salary scale projected Sheets should get a 4 year deal for around $60M.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/ar…en-sheets-get/
Sheets injury history, coupled with the economy has driven down Sheets’ ability to command that type of money.
The fact that he would now cost signficantly less, is where the value comes in.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/ben-sheets.shtml
DOB – 7/18/78
2008 – 198.1 IP, 181 hits, 158 k’s, 47 walks
2007 – 141.1 IP, 138 hits, 106 k’s, 37 walks
2006 – 106 IP, 105 hits, 116 k’s, 11 walks
2005 – 156.2 IP, 142 hits, 141 k’s, 25 walks
Injury history
2003 – Bulging discs in his back
2004 –
2005 – Inner ear infection
2006 – Shoulder tendititis
2007 – Hamstring
2008 – Flexon Tendon Tear
The bottomline is that he has sustained some serious injuries, and some which are non-factors. He has recently pitched before Nolan Ryan and Texas Rangers and showed his health.
Even in the last 4 injury marred years, he has averaged 150 innings… his coming off a season where he pitched 200 innings, and started the All-Star game.
There would be plenty of risk in any deal with Sheets, but there would also be outstanding value to be had with a 2-3 year deal.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.