Ben Sheets Threatens to Become This Winter's Kyle Lohse

Free agency is usually a wonderful time to be a talented major league ballplayer. It's pretty much a sure thing that you're going to get that big contract, secure in length and in dollar amount so that you can take care of yourself and your family. But it's taking a while for this season's free agent class as a whole to get that long, rewarding contract. Sure, CC Sabathia got a Brinks truck. But he's been the exception, as a lot of fine players are yet unsigned (and in the case of Francisco Rodriguez, signed to a contract well below what he would get in a decent economy.)

One curious case is Ben Sheets:

There's no evidence Ben Sheets has received any proposals for two years or more yet, though he's drawing interest from at least the Rangers and Yankees, and very likely his old Brewers team, as well. Sheets rejected Milwaukee's offer of arbitration and would figure to get a two-year offer at some point.

But he hasn't gotten that multi-year deal, while 46-year-old Jamie Moyer has gotten it. That can't make Sheets feel very good. But just as Sabathia's great work down the stretch last season only made his value grow, Sheets' injuries down the stretch, combined with his injury history (and a shaky economy), has shrunk his value. Yet considering how many teams need pitching, it's amazing that not only has Sheets not been signed, but there doesn't even seem to be any rumors surrounding him. Sheets is probably thinking "why couldn't this be last year" ... when Andruw Jones had a two-year, $36.2 million deal -- after batting .222, no less --by early December.

Sheets at this point is hoping not to be 2009's Kyle Lohse, who didn't sign until March 14th. That's your over/under.