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Psyblast · 06-14-2009, 04:48 AM

Cubs waste no time signing Sheets
Former Milwaukee ace strengthens an already strong starting rotation

February 24, 2009

CHICAGO - Think about it like this - Ryan Dempster, a 17-game winner and an All Star a year ago, could be the #5 starter for the Cubs.

That's how deep Chicago's rotation is, as the Cubs made a huge splash on the eve of their spring training opener, signing former Brewers star Ben Sheets to a two-year contract worth approximately 40 million dollars. The contract will pay Sheets roughly 19.5 million this year, and the second year, which is a club option, would pay about 20.5 million.

"I'm excited to be a part of a team I feel can go to some great places," the 30-year old Sheets said. "I'm very familiar with the Cubs and very comfortable in Wrigley Field, having played for Milwaukee for the past eight years. Once I'm 100%, I feel like I'll be ready to jump in right away and be a part of the best staff in baseball."

During those eight years with the Brewers, Sheets dealt with numerous injuries, including several of the shoulder and elbow variety. This is obviously making Cubs fans skeptical about the move, bringing back memories of Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. But the fact is, Sheets was looking for a five or a six year deal worth 15 million per season, and relented on his terms for the Cubs' incentive-laden deal.

Sheets is in fact still recovering from offseason elbow surgery and will sit out spring training, but he has promised that he will be ready by the time the season starts. It is unknown yet where Lou Piniella places him in the rotation. Depending on that, his first start could come in Milwaukee against his old teammates.

06-14-2009, 04:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
Psyblast You deserved better. OVR: 46 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 33,372	Re: Chicago Cubs (MLB 09: The Show) Cubs waste no time signing Sheets Former Milwaukee ace strengthens an already strong starting rotation February 24, 2009 CHICAGO - Think about it like this - Ryan Dempster, a 17-game winner and an All Star a year ago, could be the #5 starter for the Cubs. That's how deep Chicago's rotation is, as the Cubs made a huge splash on the eve of their spring training opener, signing former Brewers star Ben Sheets to a two-year contract worth approximately 40 million dollars. The contract will pay Sheets roughly 19.5 million this year, and the second year, which is a club option, would pay about 20.5 million. "I'm excited to be a part of a team I feel can go to some great places," the 30-year old Sheets said. "I'm very familiar with the Cubs and very comfortable in Wrigley Field, having played for Milwaukee for the past eight years. Once I'm 100%, I feel like I'll be ready to jump in right away and be a part of the best staff in baseball." During those eight years with the Brewers, Sheets dealt with numerous injuries, including several of the shoulder and elbow variety. This is obviously making Cubs fans skeptical about the move, bringing back memories of Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. But the fact is, Sheets was looking for a five or a six year deal worth 15 million per season, and relented on his terms for the Cubs' incentive-laden deal. Sheets is in fact still recovering from offseason elbow surgery and will sit out spring training, but he has promised that he will be ready by the time the season starts. It is unknown yet where Lou Piniella places him in the rotation. Depending on that, his first start could come in Milwaukee against his old teammates. __________________ "Genuinely Sarcastic" - My Blog Psyblast's Oregon Ducks Dynasty (NCAA 10)