FanPost

Ben F. Sheets

I have an irrational impatience for discussing anything to do with Ben Sheets. Perhaps this thread can help clear some things up. Nothing about Jon Garland has been mentioned in the press recently that I'm aware of, so I guess this is hypothetical. But he is still available as of this writing, so that explains why the poll is the way it is.

In my mind you have this guy -- Ben Sheets -- whose stuff is awesome and has never really struggled to get big league hitters out. The consummate ace, he has thrown a lot of innings, as well. But he's hurt and has not pitched in well over a year. Andy Pettitte had a similar surgery and was back relatively quickly. So my questions about Ben Sheets extend beyond "why would we want the Rangers to sign a rusty pitcher?". Instead I'm wondering what the hell else is wrong with the guy.

On the other hand you have this other fellow who goes by the name of Jon Garland. He's not hurt, at least as far as we know. He's never really been seriously hurt. Garland is consistent; you know what you will get from him, and that is more than 200 innings with a whip of around 1.4. He won't K a lot of guys, but won't walk a lot of guys. There's nothing really flashy about him, but he can be counted upon.

Consider that the Rangers' ace is a guy who we can only hope will pitch 140 innings and that except for Scott Feldman they're relying on youth and inexperience. Assume there are limited financial resources available to the team and they're not willing to part with a bunch of young talent to trade for a starter. With that and mind, please discuss and answer the poll question. Hypothetically the two pitchers would sign for very similar terms.

Thank you for your time.