Ben Sheets to retire

After starting today's game and throwing a scoreless inning against the Pirates, Ben Sheets has retired. Sheets joined the Braves' a few months ago after missing the entire 2011 season.

Sheets made eight starts for Atlanta this season after missing the 2011 campaign due to flexor tendon surgery. He posted a 3.47 ERA in 49.1 innings for the Braves, and reestablished himself as a capable MLB starter.

The Brewers selected Sheets with the 10th overall pick in the 1999 draft and he spent the majority his career in Milwaukee. He put together several great seasons with the Brewers, and was very highly thought of. Over his ten year career, he has posted a career 3.78 ERA in 1596.2 innings pitched while striking out 1,325 batters.

Analysis: Ben Sheets has had a career similar to those of Kerry Wood, Rich Harden and Mark Prior. He came up with a lot of hype, and fu-filled that hype during his first few years. Injuries have really derailed his career, and I was very surprised when he signed a one year, $10+ million contract with Oakland. He'll probably remembered as yet another "what could have been" player, but when he was healthy he was dominant in Milwaukee.