Sheets tips his cap to fans after striking out 18 against the Atlanta Braves last year
Brewers and Sheets discussing a contract extension
By Tom Haudricourt (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
The Brewers haven’t had a true “ace” of the pitching staff for a long time. In fact the last 20 game winner for the Brewers was Teddy Higuera back in 1986. That, if you need help doing math, was 19 years ago.
Well, at long last, the Brewers just might have another guy that could win 20 games for them.
”I wouldn’t say that I am ever going to win 20 games in my career,” two time all star Ben Sheets says. “But I definitely know it is a reachable goal and I will give 110% to reach that.”
Sheets, 26, was a first round draft pick (10th overall) in 1999, is considered as, general manager at the time, Sal Bando’s greatest move. It looks as if that is true right now.
“Sheets has a great makeup and great fundamentals. If we get his back all sorted out then he’ll definitely be considered for a long term extension,” stated general manager Doug Melvin.
Back in October Ben Sheets had successful back surgery to remove a lumber disc herniation from his back. The surgery was performed by Dr. Drew Dossett in Dallas, Texas.
In 2004 Sheets went 12-14 with a 2.70 earned run average in 34 starts. He also broke the single season record for strike outs with 264 in 237 innings.
“Benny really worked last off season on his mechanics to raise his velocity a little,” said Mike Maddux the team’s pitching coach. “Not only did he raise it a few miles an hour, he raised it about four to five miles an hour, phenomenal for a pitcher at his age.”
In 2003, Sheets usually topped out at 93 miles per hour, and most of his fastballs recorded as 91-92. In 2004 Sheets regularly clocked in at 94 and hit 98 once or twice a game.
“It really felt good throwing the ball at that speed, and the increase allowed me to add another feature to my game: strikeouts,” said Sheets who broke the team record previously held by Teddy Higuera.
Sheets is expected to start throwing in a couple of weeks down at the Brewers’ spring training complex in Arizona.
“I am really anxious to get down there and throw,” Sheets said. “This year will hopefully bring many good things to come like last year.”