Free agent starter Ben Sheets threw for several teams including the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, the session was widely well-received. Sheets’ fastball hung around his normal range, and his breaking ball looked crisp. He’ll throw again next week for teams – if he’s not already signed.
For now, Buster Olney. has suggested that the New York Mets and the Oakland A’s may be in the best position to aggressively pursue Sheets, based on the perception that they have money remaining to spend.
The Mets have danced with a few free agent pitchers this winter, most recently Joel Pineiro, but the Angels actually took him home.
The Cubs are not completely out of it for Sheets, but if another team steps up with a “regular” contract offer – as opposed to a very low base salary, high incentive type deal – he’s very unlikely to be a Cub.