As of today, one of the better pitchers on the market, Ben Sheets is currently without a job. Although he’s very talented, and when ‘on’, Sheets is a potential ace — however, his reputation as fragile has perhaps cost him a long-term deal.
That being said, with the state the Orioles are in — and of course we need the pitching — should we take a chance on the hurler? As controversial as a move might be for some, we might be able to get him at a reasonable cost, and he may be one of those guys out there who will definitely Baltimore better.
Right now, the rewards definitely outweighs the risk with Sheets; however, the money he wants — plus the injury history — may be more than the Orioles may be willing to pay. However, if the team really wants to make a splash, take a flier on him and see if he takes it.
He’s been injury prone, but he racked up a lot of innings until the last few weeks of the season in ’08, and then sat out of the playoffs (which really hurt his value).
Granted, Sheets may want a multi-year and I’m sure would want to play for a winner, if he would be willing to sign for a year or two with Baltimore, he could perform in a low-stress environment and also build up his value again.
All things considered, I would love to see Sheets in a Baltimore uniform. He would be a lot better than our other options — including Guthrie — if healthy.
- I watched the Nick Markakis press conference this morning before I went to work, and I’ll say I’m liking him more than ever after. We know that his skills on the field are without question; however, he never struck me as a so-called leader and a go-to guy with commentary, insight or analysis. Watching him over time, he has become more vocal, and on Thursday I saw someone who was confident and ready to take the next step in his career. A good friend of mine and I debated whether Markakis could ever reach the profile of let’s say Ray Lewis — I said no — but, after what I heard yesterday, he could be an athlete over time who could become beloved in the region. More importantly — he wants to be part of the community and he CARES about his employer. Again, a great move by the Orioles.
- WNST has more on the events of yesterday, and Nestor Aparicio thinks the O’s are finally going in the right direction.
- Meanwhile, Drew Forrester wishes the media would ask more questions about the Orioles, which in turn would inform fans even more.
- Peter Schmuck talks about the influence that hitting coach Terry Crowley has had on Nick Markakis.
- Orioles Hangout’s Scott Hoffman talks about the Markakis signing and how the philosophy of the organization is changing for the better.
- The Loss Column loves the Markakis signing; SC of Camden Chat looks at Baltimore’s potential Opening Day roster; Dempsey’s Army gives his projection on the 2009 Orioles; The Wayward O sings the praise of Andy MacPhail; Sixteen Gold Gloves also like the direction the team is moving in; the Roar from 34 notes that the O’s have been busy; and finally, Weaver’s Tantrum knows what we all pretty have figured — Kevin Millar, as much as a lot of fans loved him isn’t coming back to Baltimore (more than likely.)
- Just found this blog, but MDBirdLover (I guess that’s the author) gives a nice writeup of an event that was recently held that featured old-school Baltimore sports legends.
