Put the Sheets Over Ben in 2009

No one has signed Ben Sheets as of yet.  Smart move.  He's hurt, which is no surprise.

Apparently, since Sheets hasn't been signed by now, and spring training is just a week away, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, Sheets is considering bailing out of the free agent pool for this season to have surgery on his injured elbow.  In a better economic climate, you'd think a pitcher of Sheets' caliber could get a lucrative three to five year deal if healthy.  But with the way the economy is dictating the lack of spending on free agents this off season, (unless you're the Yankees) and with his injury-proned past (and maybe future), Sheets seems more likely to repair his torn flexor tendon in his right elbow and less likely to pitch.

The curious part of this whole thing is why Milwaukee assistant GM Gord Ash has told MLB.com that the Brewers might pay for the free agent's surgery.  Sheets' agent Casey Close has requested that the team picks up the tab, apparently due to worker's compensation.  But why would the Brewers help out Sheets since he and the Texas Rangers agreed to a two year contract last week?  The only reason last year's starter for the National League in the All-Star game isn't calling Arlington his home is because he failed the physical.

Texas could still sign Sheets to a deal that would pay for his rehab and allow him to pitch next season when healthy.  He went 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA in 31 starts last season, and helped lead the Brewers to their first trip to the playoffs in 25 years in 2008.  But there likely won't be an encore performance in 2009.

So that knocks one of the many free agents off the table to be signed for the upcoming season.