Ben Sheets, the former Milwaukee Brewers' ace, has not filed for free agency this year. He hasn't needed to. For the last year, Sheets, 31, sat on the free agent market, the most notable in-season free agent. Last offseason, the New York Mets and Texas Rangers were in hot pursuit of Sheets.
However, he opted for elbow surgery to repair his torn flexor tendon. After having elbow surgery he has begun rehabbing the elbow at TMI Sports Medicine in Arlington, Texas. The clinic is owned and operated by the Texas Rangers team doctor. While Sheets is not technically connected to the Texas Rangers, they did show interest in the offseason.
Texas seems like an obvious destination for Sheets, close to his home in Baton Rouge, and quickly becoming a pitcher's paradise. New pitching coach Mike Maddux quickly transformed the Rangers from their classic style of being dependent on the long-ball to a well-rounded playoff contender.
Sheets is oft-injured, but many, including myself, think that his year off has given him resting time that most players do not have the luxury of in the middle of their career. I could see Sheets signing with the Mets or Rangers, but I would not count out the Angels, Cardinals, or Dodgers. These teams are all losing pitchers near the front of their rotation, and I could see Sheets being a cheap No. 2 or 3 guy on one of these teams.
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