Yanks Afraid of Sheets But Not Burnett?
By Mike Silva ~ December 19th, 2008. Filed under: Mike Silva.
Joel Sherman of the NY Post reported earlier today that the “Yankees will have nothing to do with Ben Sheets given his health concerns”
Ironically, you can argue that Ben Sheets is less of an injury risk than newly signed AJ Burnett. In eight full season Sheets has been healthy, or “productive, five times (63%). In the case of Burnett, his 10 year career has seen him healthy six times (60%). Knowing this, how is Sheets any more risky than Burnett?
Personally, and I have no information on this, the Yankees like Burnett’s track record with the AL East. He has been successful against the big teams (Yanks/Red Sox), and has proven he can handle the “hitter heavy” American League. After disastrous signings like Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright, and Kevin Brown the Yankees want to go with an American League proven arm.
Anything to the contrary is just wrong, unless Sheets recent medical woes in September are reason for long term concern. With all things being equal, two years for Sheets is far better than five years for Burnett.
December 20th, 2008 at 6:31 am
I’m just confused on why the Mets seem to have no interest in Ben Sheets. Unless like you wrote his Sept. injury is worst then what is being reported.
From a Yankees stand point I would agree AJ over Sheets. AJ has the AL track record.
But health wise, they are one and the same. Even though IMO Sheets injury history is not as serious as AJ’s history.