Folding on Sheets
Though the Orioles would like to add at least two veteran starters to their rotation, they don't appear to be interested in Ben Sheets.
I know his name has come up many times in this blog, but the Orioles share the same health concerns as many other teams.
Sheets went 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA and 158 strikeouts in 198 1/3 innings. He started for the National League in the All-Star Game. He's 25-14 over the last two seasons, and his ERA's been under 4.00. His career strikeout-to-walk ratio is 3.85-to-1, which makes him the envy of Roy Halladay and Johan Santana.
If only he hadn't suffered a torn flexor muscle in his right elbow, which limited him to one start after Sept. 17. If only he hadn't been held out of the Division Series. If only he hadn't made six stops on the disabled list during his career. If only his 13 wins weren't a personal best.
If the Orioles could get him on the cheap, they might do it, but he's looking for a multi-year deal. The Yankees reportedly were ready to offer him $25-$30 million over two years during the winter meetings. He might settle for a one-year deal for $13 or $14 million.
The Orioles don't sound like they're willing to take the risk.
Sheets has been on the DL with rotator cuff tendinitis (2001), a viral and ear infection (2005), torn lat muscle (2005), right shoulder strain (2006), right shoulder tendinitis (2006) and sprained right middle finger (2007). He was shut down this year with the torn flexor muscle.
Maybe he'll be as strong as a workhorse next season. It looks like that'll be another team's gamble.
The Orioles are more interested in Braden Looper, Tim Redding, Kenshin Kawakami and perhaps Mark Hendrickson. No word on whether Steve Trachsel is pushing for a third chance.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
What about Garland or Odalis Perez?
What's going on with Manny Ramirez?
Where's the 4th Teixeira post?!?!?
I kid, I kid. Thanks for all the great info, Roch. Sheets might be a good investment a few years down the road.
Sheets is also a Class A free agent. I'd much rather take a risk with Pavano.
I've scanned all the news items with the name Teixeira in them - misspelt or otherwise - and it doesn't look like the Orioles are pursuing him aggressively at all. So I'm preparing myself mentally for the adverse outcome. Die-hard Orioles fans are advised to do the same; lest they need counselling later on.
Roch,
You mentioned earlier today that out of all our pitchers, the FO views Tillman as the most expendable. That being said, would any of these offers interest you? Are they even plausible for that matter?
Tillman and a prospect (or two) for J.J. Hardy
Tillman for Alex Gordon straight up
Tillman, Reimold a 6-10 prospect, and a 11-15 prospect for Zach Greinke
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I always get in trouble when I try to play GM. The Orioles aren't deep enough in pitching to give up Tillman unless it's an overwhelming deal. I don't want to give the impression they're looking to move him. I'm only saying in the world of untouchables, Arrieta is a notch ahead of Tillman. The Orioles would at least listen to offers for Tillman. Can't say the same is true of Arrieta at the moment. Or so I'm told. - Roch
Pretty much says it all.
"The Orioles are more interested in Braden Looper, Tim Redding, Kenshin Kawakami and perhaps Mark Hendrickson. "
This team is hopeless. Sheets was injured. Big deal. He's bounced back continuously AFTER those inuries you've cited. He's been quite resilient. Getting him cheaply would be a coup. Instead, the O's want Redding. Good God, wil lthey ever learn. Save your money folks, go to Bowie or Norfolk and enjoy minor league baseball at a fraction of the cost.
Roch-- any visibilty on the other Japanese pitcher Uehara?
Also, are there any specific Boras clients that we have an interest in? (eg, Varitek or Lowe)
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Seems like they're more interested in the other guy, perhaps because, if I'm getting this right, Uehara projects more as a reliever. No interest in Varitek, who wouldn't accept backup role once Wieters is promoted. I haven't heard anything about Lowe, probably because of the money. I'm sure Boras has brought up his name, though. - Roch
Understandable. My apologies for putting you on the spot. ;)
Amazes me how everyone is avoiding Sheets like the plague and yet teams chased AJ Burnett to the point of giving him 5 years and $82 million.
Is Sheets an injury risk? Of course. But he has also proven to be one of the absolute best pitchers in baseball when he can go.
And while he has had several DL stints, he is just as injury prone as AJ Burnett, who certainly picked a great year to pitch the entire season (a coincidence? DOUBTFUL!).
The only difference between Sheets and Burnett - besides the fact that AJ is coming off a career worst 4.07 ERA - is that Sheets had really crappy timing on ending the year with an injury - an injury that, while I'm far from an MD, doesn't sound too bad.
I guess in summary I would say if you could get Sheets at 3 years, $30 million, that would seem to be one helluva bargain. Could it completely backfire? OF COURSE. But the risk is certainly comparable to someone like Burnett - who the Orioles loved - and getting burned for $30 million vs. $82 million seems to make all the sense in the world to a team like Baltimore.
I say roll the dice and go after Sheets.
He's another Bedard.
Blogging hurt (torn rotator sugery), but I think if Tex wanted to go the Nats he would have signed already. Maybe I'm nuts, but I still think he wants to be an Oriole.
I heard there's a Chinese pitcher named Hu Flung Dung the O's might be interested in.
Thats not as many injuries as Burnett and we were willing to give him 3yrs!
Roch,
Try the GM hat on again and tell me what you think of these four being signed.
Odalis Perez Left handed SP From Wash.
Jason Jennings Right handed SP From Tex.
Pudge Rodriguez .300 BA/ right C From NYY.
Greg Zaun .251 BA/ SW C From Tor.
Both pitchers know how to keep the ball down and pitch fast. Both catchers have over .985 fielding percentages. Pudge is a not only a legend as a Catcher but is the strong right hand bat we need at DH,1B,and PH when Wieters comes up. Zaun is a good solid veteran and we need to bring him home.
Thanks for the great job you do in keeping us up to date,and please share your opinion on these guys with us.
Leon