As soon as I saw that the Oakland A’s signed free agent starting pitcher Ben Sheets, I thought to myself that A’s GM Billy Beane is going to turn Sheets into more prospects come July 31, 2010. But at $10 million for 2010, he may have to eat some of the salary if he wants more than a low A prospect. Then again, if Sheets can stay healthy and be the Ben Sheets from 2008 where he threw 198 innings, then this signing will reap some decent prospects.
MLB Trade Rumors: Ben Sheets Signs With The A’s
Looking at Sheets career stats, he hasn’t thrown more than 198 innings since 2004. Since 2004, he has thrown 156, 106, 141 and 198 innings. When he is healthy, he provides solid wins, ERA, WHIP, and K/BB, but his health will be a question mark in 2010.
In his last healthy season in 2008, Sheets went 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, a HR/FB% of 7.0%, and a K/BB of 3.36. One disturbing trend is his K/9 went from 9.85 in 2006, to 6.75 in 2007 to 7.17 in 2008. Sheets is moving to a pitcher-friendly ballpark in Oakland which is a plus. Sheets has a career HR/FB% just under 10%, which should improve pitching in Oakland.
I have to say I am amazed that Sheets’ agent was able to get Sheets $10 million after one side session in front of scouts. Beane is not one to pay alot on free agents, so he must have seen, or heard, that Sheets looked even better than what the media outlets were reporting.
As I stated in the intro, Beane will more than likely deal Sheets by the July 31st deadline, or sooner, depending on Sheets health and his performance on the mound. Fantasy owners should not look to draft Sheets until after the 14th-15th rounds in mixed league drafts, as he carries high injury risk and high reward. There are certainly other pitchers with less injury risk available in the later rounds. I saw Derek Lowe drafted in the 23rd round in one draft. I would certainly draft Lowe before Sheets.
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