New York Yankees Should, But Probably Won’t, Sign Ben Sheets

The Yankees offseason search for a fifth starter has mostly revolved around Andy Pettitte, but his refusal to accept a $10 million deal has them looking else where.

Now we hear, according to Jon Heyman, that they are discussing things with Ben Sheets. For most of the offseason, the Yankees have ignored the oft-injured 30-year-old, but a combination of a new medical report and his dropping value has forced them to reassess the situation.

If they were smart they would be hammering out specifics for a deal right now. Despite his injury risks, Sheets would be the perfect fifth starter for the Yankees.

He has more upside than Pettitte and as the fifth guy the Bombers would have the luxury of resting him now and then if he needed.

Sheets also wouldn’t be blocking the young starts like Phil Hughes for a couple of reasons. First, he is only seeking a short-term deal. He might accept a one-year deal valued at the $10 million the Yankees already offered Pettitte.

If he did Hughes and others would provide the perfect insurance against the likely injuries of Sheets and or AJ Burnett. Then if he was ready for 2010 the Yankees could simply say thanks and goodbye to Sheets.

Second, even in the unlikely event the entire Yankee rotation stayed mostly healthy throughout the season, Hughes is still young, 22-years-old, and could benefit from an entire year at triple-A. He would also be a great late season replacement for Joba Chamberlain if the Yankees cap his innings.

Of course, some people would rather forget Sheets and Pettitte altogether and just go with Hughes to begin with. The problem here is that Joba will have an innings cap so they will need a replacement for him in August and September anyways.

Also, if Sheets is added, he and Burnett are almost guaranteed to spend some time on the DL. Even Hughes himself has trouble staying healthy.

The problem with all of this is that some people are guessing that it’s going to take a two-year $16 million deal to get Sheets on board. If that’s the case the Yankees would likely pass.

Even if somehow they didn’t think that was a terrible idea, I get the feeling that they are just talking to Sheets in order to get Pettitte to accept their $10.5 million offer that is currently on the table.