HOT STOVE: SHEETS, MANNY

As a Cards fan, I agree. While it’d be a lot of fun to have Manny Ramirez in the lineup, the pitching needs are more pressing.

I agree, Manny wouldn’t make any sense for the Cards. They already have too many outfielders as it is, with at least 5 in the organization that deserve full-time gigs.

I don’t understand the league-wide lack of interest in Sheets at all. I’m baffled that the Cardinals claim that they don’t have the luxury to assume the injury risk of a player like Sheets, yet they’re scouting KRIS BENSON throwing sessions. Unreal.

Zoner, regarding your comments about the Rangers. You do realize this country is in the midst of a severe depression? The only team that has spent much money this offseason is the Yankees. And they own the YES network, so their income is far greater than any other team in baseball. Bottom line is that the financial structure of professional sports is changing BIG TIME. Teams are signing fewer older free agents and instead signing their younger talent to long term deals.

The questions about Sheets are legit, but he’s got a long history of arm injuries and most folks think he’ll be hurt again very soon.

Chris, not sure where you’re hearing that info about Benson, but I would be stunned if he’s signed by the Cardinals. However, if they did, it would be for the league minimum.

Tom Hicks has more money the Steinbrenners. He just bought half of Liverpool FC a while back for over 400 million. He could lose 10 million dollars and it would be like he dropped a dime in the couch. If he doesn’t start getting some division wins, it will cost him more money eventually. He has increased ticket prices and attendance has dropped there. Their pitching staff is a joke.

The family money shouldn’t be a part of the discussion here, Matt. I’m talking about the business entity. Too many baseball fans get stuck comparing the amount of “family money” that these owners are sitting on. But that doesn’t matter when EVERY baseball owner is part of the financially elite in this world and have money to burn. The Yankees have more operating income BY FAR than any other team, and GOBS more than the Rangers. Therefore, they don’t have to dig into their “family fortunes” to buy a team in order to compete every year.

I shall repeat: If he doesn’t start getting some division wins, it will cost him more money eventually. He has increased ticket prices and attendance has dropped there. Their pitching staff is a joke.

Gotta spend to earn.

But just spending money on free agents doesn’t necessarily equal more wins. After all, how much more money did Hicks gain by signing A-Rod years ago. I’m guessing he lost a TON of money in that deal.

Again, it’s not how much you spend, it’s how wisely you spend it. And there are a myriad of different ways a franchise can choose to spend money in order to improve their product on the field. And in this market, the majority of franchises are choosing to develop their farm systems and sign their young players to long term deals.

True. But their is an ace pitcher sitting out there for someone willing to take a bit of a chance.

As for the Rangers, their GM has made some heinous deals over the past few years, although their farm system is definitely coming around.

So, do you still think the Rangers GM should sign Sheets? He’s now planning on having elbow surgery. Talk about heinous deals.

How is it that you are over 40 and still have difficulty comprehending short paragraphs?

From the post: “Maybe if Sheets takes a physical it says his elbow is not yet healed from his injury before the postseason.”

Way to miss the point, brainiac.