Tagged: Ben Sheets
The key to the Brewers 2009 season…Ben Sheets.
To my Milwaukee Brewers fan readers,
No, I am not crazy (at least not diagnosed, anyway).
Over the last few weeks, I have had a startling revelation.
I believe that the success of the 2009 Milwaukee Brewers lies with the re-signing of this man.
Ben Sheets
Here’s my reasoning:
1. We know him best – We drafted him in 1999 with the 10th overall pick. We groomed him and we brought him up.
2. 4X All Star – The guy has nasty stuff…4-seam fastball clocked around 96 mph, a devastating 12 to 6 curve and an occasional changeup.
3. Top of the rotation starter – Ben has made six (6) opening day starts for the Brewers since making it to the big leagues.
4. Keep pace with the hated Cubs – Bringing back Sheets would put us in good shape to keep up with the Scrubs…errr…Cubs. The Cubs throw out Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Harden and possibly Marshall (helluva rotation). Without Sheets, we can’t match up.
5. Very little depth – The Brewers don’t have jack for starting pitching depth in their system.
6. Rotation in need of boost – After losing C.C. to the Yanks, it would be devastating to that rotation if we also lost Sheets.
7. Market has dried up – Available quality starting pitchers on the free agent market have vanished. Many of the good ones that are left do not wish to work in Milwaukee.
Considering these points…what’s the alternative?
-Comb the scrap heap in hopes of finding a diamond in the rough?
-Not doing anything and go into the season riding the potential of Gallardo and Parra?
And get whooped on by the Cubs in the process?
-Rebuild?
-Hope and pray that everyone stays healthy and overachieves?
I think not.
Still think I’m crazy?
If the Texas Rangers can’t move payroll and the New York Yankees bring back Andy Pettitte, I think the Milwaukee Brewers have a legitimate shot at bringing “Sheeter’s heater” back at around 25 million for 2 yrs. Maybe even on a 1 yr. deal for the 12-13 million he would have received if he had accepted arbitration.
Whaddya think?
I think the 2009 season depends on it.
Would Randy Johnson consider the Milwaukee Brewers?
So, I was sitting around the house day-dreaming about the ’09 ballhawking season when I came up with an interesting notion…what if the Brewers contacted Big Randy’s people and Big Randy’s people contacted the Brewers people and talked about a possible 1 yr. deal to come pitch for the Brew Crew??!!
Allow me to digress for a moment.
The Brewers rotation WILL lose two big guns to free agency.
Adios big boy.
C.C. Sabathia is looking down the barrel of a 6yr/140MM offer from the Yanks (probably more).
Ol’ Benny boy will become permanently MIA instead of just every 5th day.
Which leads me to the guys who will actually be there in 2009.
Ace
YOVANI GALLARDO…stud
#2 Pitcher
That’s a big question mark…insert “Big Unit” here (more about that later)
#3 Pitcher
DAVE BUSH…steady and reliable.
#4 Pitcher
MANNY PARRA…young lefty full of ace potential.
#5 Pitcher
JEFF SUPPAN…what else we going to do with him and his salary?
Which leads me back to Randy Johnson.
Here are a few things of note:
1. The man is not returning to pitch for the D’backs. This we know. They offered him 2-3 million to come back in ’09. He said he would’ve settled for 8 million.
2. He seeks a 1 yr. deal. Low risk/high return.
3. He is left-handed.
4. He still throws heat.
5. He is 5 wins shy of the elite 300 win club.
(imagine the marketing opportunities…souvenir flamethrowers, anyone?)
6. He still has gas left in the tank.
Take a look at his 2008 statistics
-30 starts
-11 wins/10 losses
-3.91 ERA
-.260 Batting Average Against
-184 Innings Pitched
-173 K’s
BRING RANDY TO MILWAUKEE!! RANDY, COME TO MILWAUKEE!! 
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This blog post endorsed by:
The Milwaukee Brewers # 1 Fan and ballhawk “The Happy Youngster”
The Happy Youngster...Brew Town's Ballhawk 