Every year, Ben Sheets gets the opening day start and is referred to as the Ace of the Brewers pitching staff. Each year I shake my head and wonder when this so called ace is going to give Brewers fans more than 12-wins in a season?
Could this year be the year that Sheets doesn't spend a prolonged period of time on the disabled list, or is he just teasing us all again?
So far so good for the Brewers righthander this season. Sheets picked up his first win of the season, a 7-0 win over the Giants. Sheets went the distance, striking out 8 and allowing just 5 base hits for his second career complete game shutout and first in almost seven years.
In the past, we've seen flashes of brilliance from Sheets, just like his first two outings this season. His ERA still stands at 0.00.
If he makes 25 to 30 starts, it probably will means the Brewers will win the division. Without him, it could be a different outcome. That right there would tell you that Sheets truely is the ace of this staff and the glue that holds things together. He's had some rotten luck in his career from an injury standpoint, maybe luck will be on his side this time.
And the timing for Sheets couldn't be better if he can hold it together. Sheets is in a contract year and if he stays healthy, he promises to collect a big payday in free agency, whether it be from the Brewers or some other team with a lot of money to spend.
It's only 6 games, but the Brewers are off to a 5-1 start, their ace is on a roll and fans are heading to Miller Park in record numbers. This could be a special year.
Listen / Download – Ned Yost on Ben Sheets. :21
Listen / Download – Sheets on his second career CG shutout. :13