Washington Nationals To Watch Ben Sheets Throw.
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 19, 2010 11:45 AM EST
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PrintAt the end of a 2008 season which saw Brewers' right-hander Ben Sheets post a (13-9) record with a 3.09 ERA, (136 ERA+), and a 1.15 WHIP in 31 starts and 198.1 IP over which he walked 47 (2.1 BB/9) and struck out 158 (7.2 K/9), the former 1999 1st Round pick found himself unable to pitch as Milwaukee made their first playoff appearance in 25 seasons, losing to the eventual World Champion Phillies in the NLDS.
After the '08 campaign, the then-29-year-old right-hander agreed in principle to a two-year deal with the Texas Rangers (for an undisclosed amount of money) which was voided when an MRI revealed a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow which would require surgery. According to ESPN.com's Tim Kurkjian's article on Sheets' attempt to return from the injury entitled, "Sheets healthy, ready to prove it", the free agent pitcher, "...told the Rangers that he wouldn't take their money if he couldn't pitch, and had the surgery on his own."
Now 31, Sheets will hold a throwing session today in front of representatives of at least 15 MLB teams including, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Washington Nationals...
Mr. Ladson sent a message out on his Twitter account Monday afternoon, announcing that the Nationals would be, "...sending scouts to Monroe, La to watch RHP Ben Sheets throw." In an article following up on the tweeted report entitled, "Nats potential suitors for Sheets", Mr. Ladson cites "published reports" which have the righty, "...looking for an $8 million contract for 2010," but according to Mr. Ladson, "...it's doubtful the Nationals," who are looking to add a second starting pitcher to their rotation after having signed Jason Marquis earlier this winter, "...will give (Sheets) that kind of money, because he's had problems staying healthy during his career."
Can the Washington Nationals sign Sheets to an incentive-laden deal? Should DC spend money on a pitcher who's an obvious injury risk? Can Washington afford to invest whatever money they have left this winter in a pitcher who is, in spite of his own confidence in his ability to return, a question mark heading into to today's throwing session? ESPN.com's Tim Kurkjian points to the Cubs and Mariners as two likely suitors for Sheets, should the Nationals take a chance?
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We are the type
We need to do something like this. We need a fornt of the rotation guy. I’d give him a contract where he can get 9 mill this year is he can put up similar stats to what he did. I am glad we ate at least looking in to this.
by Danyon Rome on Jan 19, 2010 12:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Remember in 2008 when the Brewers made a run…CC and Sheets destroyed the Nats, and our guys had basically given up before the games were played. It was something to behold. CC got rich and Sheets blew out his arm. I would love to have a guy like that if he’s healthy.
It's another unique situation...
31-year-old former 1st Round pick who can possibly be had at a discount, the Nationals should be involved…and since just about every pitcher has had some sort of arm issues, why not take a shot…
After Sheets, Doug Davis…Washburn…the options are dwindling for another SP…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 19, 2010 12:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Zimmermann had a torn ligs
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 19, 2010 12:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Zimmermann had a torn ligament in his elbow...
Requiring Tommy John surgery…Sheets had the torn flexor tendon…you’ll have to ask someone who knows more about the structure of the elbow how closely related the two things are…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 19, 2010 12:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
From my lips to Rizzo's ear...
GO GET PITCHER !!! Please !!!
If getting a pitcher like Sheets means less spending on the draft. Forget what I just wrote…
Speaking of the Draft...
Buster Olney mentions Bryce Harper in his post this morning, saying he might be too big at over six ft and 200lbs just 17yo…
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 19, 2010 12:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Unlike last season when there was no doubt aboot the first pick....there are doubts this year.
I want a college middle infielder who’s almost MLB ready.
Not a fan of Harper
I agree. I think the Nats can find talent elsewhere in this draft, rather than taking Harper.
Why not us? Why not now?
Apparently this year's draft is also pitching heavy...
Im with Roscoe in taking a an middle IF – or in fact, the best bat.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
Yes oh Yes!
Sheets can really dominate! If we signed him for one year to a contract that is based on staying healthy, then Sheets could really be a serious ace for us in the second half. He would have to build his strength up so the first half is likely to be mediocre, but he could dominate in august and september. Here is to hoping it happens!
"What you know is often the enemy of what you can learn" Bill James
Sounds good
Anytime you have a chance to get a legitimate major league pitcher and you arre the nationals you have to take advantage of it
"We're starting to get into Plush mode," Nyjer Morgan said
Ben Goessling reported this afternoon...
that he spoke with a scout (non-Nats) that watched. said he looked good, and there were 9 or so other teams watching.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at District Sports Page on Jan 19, 2010 4:41 PM EST reply actions
whoever it was - Sheets curveball was described as electric...
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
well, they work in the same place, maybe it was a conference call.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at natsnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
by Dave at District Sports Page on Jan 20, 2010 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
I think we're all in agreement...
Now we have Marquis – we could take a chance on Sheets with a 1 year deal in order to buy in while its low. He could be a dominating starter like most have observed and maybe this is THE year that the Nats take a risk.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
(+1 'n')...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 19, 2010 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
As in Zimmerman(n)...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 19, 2010 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
I don't see it happening
Sheets is a question mark with the injury that is for sure. I don’t see the Nats putting up 8 million for him. With eight or nine other teams interested, I think it is safe to say he’ll sign elsewhere.
What is the latest from the MacDougal and Livo camps. I know they will not be returning to the Nats, but who will they be going to. Is there any news on them. Awhile ago someone reported that Dougie was talking to at least ten teams, Orioles included. I am curious to where they land, anyone know anything new?
Why not us? Why not now?
Baltimore and Philly are the only teams I've heard tied to MacDougal...nothing about Livo at all...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 19, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
I think its safe to say Livo is the last resort...
I think we’d be far more likely to get Davis – who is a much better than Livo. Lets hope anyway.
"I love, love, love John Lackey." -- Graysnail.
Worth at least a offer
I get the concerns about the injury history. I get the concerns about his price. Someone said above we should offer him an incentive laden contract and see what he is willing to go forward with. personally I would go with something in the range of 4 million guaranteed with the incentive to get up to 10 million if he makes it through a full seasons healthy and returns to form. Maybe an option for a second year in there as well.
The point is they need a second pitcher, if Sheets returns to old form he is probably the best pitcher available.
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