Overbay Traded to Toronto!
Sheets Signs 4-Year Extension
Brewers Lock-up Staff Ace
Dennis Jenders
Brewers' pitcher Ben Sheets signed a contract extension today, just hours before taking the mound to face the defending National League champion St. Louis Cardinals it was announced to Milwaukee fans. The extension is worth $38.5 million and ensures Sheets will be a Brewers through 2008.
Sheets signed a $6 million deal for 2005 in February, just two days before an arbitration hearing. Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin and new owner Mark Attanasio made it known that signing the 26-year-old Sheets to a long-term deal was a priority. But the club felt it was necessary to evaluate Sheets, who had off-season back surgery, this spring before making an offer.
Sheets made $2.4 million in 2004 which turned out to be a breakthrough season for the right-hander. His 12-14 record did not accurately reflect his dominating performances. Averaging just 3.5 runs per game Sheets did not get the run support he needed. But he ranked third in the National League with a 2.70 ERA, second with 264 Ks, had 5 complete games, and struck-out 18 against Atlanta, he also earned his second all-star appearance.