Ben Sheets

2013

There was no outlook written for Ben Sheets.

2010

Sheets missed the entire 2009 season while recovering from a torn flexor tendon in his wrist. He signed with Oakland and could quickly become the A's No. 1 starter, but it may be perilous to expect him to immediately return to his pre-surgery form. Monitor his results carefully in spring training -- particularly his command -- before taking the plunge. Also remember that his strikeout rate dipped from elite levels earlier in his career to 6.75 K/9IP and 7.17 in 2008 and 2009, respectively. If he's signed as a No. 3 or No. 4 starter, which will likely be the case, Sheets is a good later-round gamble given that he'll be a full year removed from surgery at the start of spring training.

2009

Sheets had his finest season since 2004 by going 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA in 198.1 innings pitched. Just when it looked like he was going to make it through a season injury free he tore a muscle near his elbow in September and missed the final weeks of the season. It wasn't quite the way he wanted to enter free agency though and now he may not get a decent contract offer. If that's the case then he could accept Milwaukee's offer of arbitration and play one more season for the Brewers with a decent raise.

2008

Sheets had his third consecutive injury plagued season for the Brewers in 2007, leading many to give him the "injury prone" tag. That might be true, but none of the injuries that he's experienced in the last three seasons were arm related. When he is on the mound he's still one of the top pitchers in the league, the Brewers just need to keep him on the mound. The lone disconcerting stat for Sheets last season was his drop-off in strikeout rate, although it did pick up in the second half. Sheets will anchor the Milwaukee rotation in 2008.

2007

Sheets suffered through another injury plagued season and is now dogged by those who question his durability. The good part is the injuries are never pitching-arm related and he's still one of the top pitchers in the league when healthy. He finished with a 3.82 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 106 innings while walking only 11 batters. He should be healthy entering 2007 and may slip under the radar during some fantasy drafts.

2006

Sheets' season ended early when he tore a back muscle in August. Before that, he was one of the more dominant pitchers in the league, striking out 141 in 156 2/3 IP while walking just 25. He's in his prime and should continue to be a top pitcher. He's expected to be ready for the start of the season, but check his health this spring.

2005

Sheets had one of the best seasons by a pitcher in Brewers franchise history. He continued his mastery of the strikezone and added to his strikeout rate to post an insane 264/32 K/BB ratio in 237 innings. Sheets had a WHIP of just .983 in 2004 but still only managed to win 12 games due to lack of run support. The lack of run support is likely to continue in 2005 so that will hamper is fantasy value slightly. The lack of wins and publicity may drop him under the radar of some of the other owners in your league.

2004

Sheets has been a very good pitcher but lacks the consistency to reach the next level. He relies too much on just his curve and fastball, and needs to develop one more pitch before he can be considered and elite pitcher. His control is excellent, walking only 43 batters in 220+ IP last year. If he can find a third pitch and stay away from the gopher ball then he has a chance to post a sub 4.00 ERA next season.

2003

Sheets was the Brewers top starter in 2002 and should be in 2003 as well. He finished strong to end the season with a 4.15 ERA in 216 2/3 innings pitched. He was stung by the Brewers lack of run support (just 4.28 runs per game) and was better than his 11-16 record indicates. Sheets has thrown quite a few innings the last three seasons, but so far seems no worse for the wear.