Ben Sheets: Ready to Torment Another Franchise.

If you didn't hear yesterday Ben Sheets signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics for eight million dollars and finally is no longer a Milwaukee Brewer.  I am not very broken up about this despite the success he had with the Brewers, I knew there was no chance he was going to be back pitching at Miller Park. 

The reason Sheets leaving the Crew doesn't faze me is because I really do not think he was a team player. In my opinion, I think Sheets wanted to be the premiere pitcher in 2008 taking this team to the playoffs coming very close to a Cy Young. I mean Sheets started the All-Star Game in 08 and usually that translates into damn near close to a Cy Young.   But then the Crew brings in C.C. Sabathia and he is the toast of Milwaukee.  I believe that hurt Sheets' ego more than anything else then add on to the fact he got hurt turned him bitter.  

Personally for Sheets, this is a pretty smart decision by him to go to the A's.  He is playing in a top 5 pitcher friendly ball park where even if he struggles at the beginning of the season, Sheets gets the luxury of a big ballpark. This is something that Sheets hasn't had in his career playing in Miller Park and something that he could work to his advantage. Not to mention, his agent convinced some team that he is in great shape and will not end up crumbling like an Oreo by July.     

The one thing I question about this move more so than if Sheets can actually play a full season, rather if he can pitch in the American League?  Most of the time when primary National League guys head into the American League, it's never a good thing.  They always seem to struggle with the bigger power bats and the different style of play. Although, Sheets has the ex-Brewer karma working for him, which is always good.  In case you're wondering, ex-Brewer karma means any former Brewers always seems to flourish with his new team. 

If you are an A's fan and read the blog... Have fun with Sheets, he throws a mean fastball and devastating curveball. BUT just when you think things will be perfect, he breaks your hearts. Trust me, it happened almost every year.

-Charlie.