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glenn · 03-11-2009, 10:36 PM

Nationals Announce Sheets Signing
By Jim Davidson

The Washington Nationals announced today that they have agreed to terms with free agent starting pitcher Ben Sheets. Sheets has been out after elbow surgery, and is expected to begin throwing off the mound sometime after the all-star break. The total value of the contract is expected to be $14.6 million spread over 4 years, with Sheets expected to make $2.4 million in 2009, $3.4 million in 2010, and $4.4 million in both 2011 and 2012.

"I'm happy to get the chance to pitch with the Nationals, and stay in the National League", Sheets said, "my arm is feeling good, and I'm anxious to get back on the diamond. I think I'll fit in well with the Nationals. They have some good, young arms, and I hope I can push them over the edge."

Sheets was 13-9 in 2008 with a 3.09 ERA and is one of the better pitchers in the game when healthy.

Nationals GM had this to say about the Sheets signing, "We've been talking with Ben and his agents all season, and have been monitoring his progress. We think Ben will be a front of the rotation starter for us, and is the extra piece we are looking for to round out our rotation both this year and next. While other teams our trying to make deals before the trading deadline, we'll be able to bring aboard a top starting pitcher, and he won't cost us any prospects. The team has really played well under our new manager, Doug Dunlap, and we think we can contend this year. Sheets puts us one step closer to our goal, making the playoffs."

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As a side note, this was one of the longest offers to acceptance I've ever seen. I forgot I even offered him a contract, so I was pretty surprised when I got the message he accepted.

03-11-2009, 10:36 PM	#54
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	6/1/2009 Nationals Announce Sheets Signing By Jim Davidson The Washington Nationals announced today that they have agreed to terms with free agent starting pitcher Ben Sheets. Sheets has been out after elbow surgery, and is expected to begin throwing off the mound sometime after the all-star break. The total value of the contract is expected to be $14.6 million spread over 4 years, with Sheets expected to make $2.4 million in 2009, $3.4 million in 2010, and $4.4 million in both 2011 and 2012. "I'm happy to get the chance to pitch with the Nationals, and stay in the National League", Sheets said, "my arm is feeling good, and I'm anxious to get back on the diamond. I think I'll fit in well with the Nationals. They have some good, young arms, and I hope I can push them over the edge." Sheets was 13-9 in 2008 with a 3.09 ERA and is one of the better pitchers in the game when healthy. Nationals GM had this to say about the Sheets signing, "We've been talking with Ben and his agents all season, and have been monitoring his progress. We think Ben will be a front of the rotation starter for us, and is the extra piece we are looking for to round out our rotation both this year and next. While other teams our trying to make deals before the trading deadline, we'll be able to bring aboard a top starting pitcher, and he won't cost us any prospects. The team has really played well under our new manager, Doug Dunlap, and we think we can contend this year. Sheets puts us one step closer to our goal, making the playoffs." -------------------- As a side note, this was one of the longest offers to acceptance I've ever seen. I forgot I even offered him a contract, so I was pretty surprised when I got the message he accepted.