Clean Sheets

by Phil Wood

Ben Sheets is healthy again.

I had a chance to speak ever-so-briefly with one of the scouts - not a Nats' scout - who was there today in Monroe, LA to watch him throw.

"He looked good," I was told. "He had all of his pitches, and showed good command."

Worth $8 million?

"Not for me to say."

Well, that the Nationals were represented today - along with scouts for about 9 other teams - indicates they're serious about upgrading the rotation. Still, it's a gamble for a pitcher who hasn't thrown an inning since 2008.

I'm guessing that Sheets and his agent would prefer a 1-year deal and hope that a productive 2010 opens the door for a mega-deal next winter. The Nationals may have some appeal, in that Sheets has experienced the National League before, and seems like less of a "project" type of player.

I'll have more details on Sheets' workout by tomorrow.