Sheets to walk at season's end

Ben Sheets' latest outing was not enough for the Milwaukee Brewers to bring him back next season. The Brewers' ace, who's struggled to stay healthy for years, looks to be headed for free agency.

"That's the direction I'm headed right now," said Sheets. "You can't invite yourself back."

Sheets referred to the club's decision not to try to negotiate a new deal before or during the 2008 season. General manager Doug Melvin has said on more than one occasion that he preferred not to address Sheets' contract status until after the season.

Sheets goes on to say that he's not only not expecting a deal to be offered, but he probably won't be interested in negotiating one this late in the season. The blog doesn't say whether the Brewers might deal Sheets to another team before the trade deadline. They're rumored to be in the C.C. Sabathia hunt, which would mean they're trying to win now. They probably aren't sellers.

Fantasy Impact: Sheets is always an injury scare, but the fact that he's pitching in a contract year and using it as an audition for free agency bodes well. He's 9-1 with a 2.59 ERA.