There has been much debate about what to do with Ben Sheets whose contract is up at the end of the season. My thoughts at the beginning of the season were to let him pitch this year and let him walk as a free-agent and take the compensation picks. (Knowing full well that Sheets was probably going to have a monster year, hey I drafted him in my $250 entry fee fantasy league)
After much thought on what to do with Benny I have come to this conclusion, the Brewers should offer Sheets a 5yr 75 or 80 million dollar deal. It would be more of a feeling out process than anything. I don't think it is necessarily a low ball offer, but probably slightly below market value. This would give the Brewers a good idea of what Ben and his agent are thinking, and would let Sheets know that the Brewers are interested in his services. I would probably expect Ben to reject it, but you never know. If they think it is a severely low offer then you at least know what to expect. Besides this gives the fans belief that the Brewers are building for the long haul with a true ace for the starting rotation. Besides who in baseball other than maybe Arizona would have a better 1,2 combo than Sheets and Gallardo for the next 5 years?
The Brewers owe it to their loyal fan base to give Sheets a fair offer, whether it be now or at seasons end. They also owe it to this fan base of making the best possible run to finally make the postseason. Having Ben on our team regardless of what happens in the off season is why he cannot be traded. Great Starting Pitching is so important in the postseason. There is no bigger advantage than to be able to trot you Cy Young candidate our their twice in a series. If you trade Sheets when you are in contention you are basically waiving the white flag on yet another season. We as fans cannot and should not accept that.
Its been 26 years for people like me with no postseason, the team is finally showing that it is on the cusp of something great, lets make sure this run of success goes somewhere. We are doing our part by being on pace for 3 million fans, now its time once again for Mark Antanasio, and Doug Melvin to step up.
