Another Mets' Option: Sign Ben Sheets?

One idea that I have seen in multiple places recently is to sign Ben Sheets to a one-year contract with incentives, and I couldn’t be more against that potential acquisition.

First of all, haven’t we learned anything about those who have been hurt? Maybe we should bring some healthy bodies into the fold. I would much rather the Mets pony up the dough for John Lackey, but that’s just me.

I am not saying that Sheets doesn’t have potential to be a solid pitcher. In fact, he probably has ace stuff. The Mets just can’t afford to take such a chance. I think he will be a bad signing for whomever takes the chance. There is an outside shot that he could be the pickup of the offseason, but that pretty much goes for anyone.

The guy certainly has accomplished a good amount. In eight healthy years in the league, Sheets has won ten games, seven times. He may make some team lucky, but Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel can’t afford to have another injury risk in town. It just doesn’t pay to take the chance.

There are plenty of guys on the free agent market who I think the Mets would be better off taking a chance on. There’s Erik Bedard, Justin Duchscherer, John Lackey and Jason Marquis. Lackey would probably rest at the top of my wish list, with the rest coming in the next tier.

The bottom line is this. If the Mets sign an injury-proned player and that guy goes down for any extended period of time, it will be Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya who will find themselves out of a job after next season.

Stay away from this guy. I hope he does come back and pitch well for someone, but maybe it should be in the American League. I can just see it now. He signs with the Yankees and wins 15 games. Sorry, I am used to that kind of thing happening.

Stay away. That’s the theme here. Just stay away.