You'll be hearing this guy's name this week, since he is pitching for Team USA in the Summer Olympic Games. You'll be hearing more about him in 2001, pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers. Sheets was the 10th overall pick in the 1999 draft, out of Northeast Louisiana State University. Something of a late-bloomer, Sheets wasn't a hot prospect coming out of high school, but made the most of his chances in college and turned heads with a strong 1999 performance. The Brewers, owners of a farm system devastated by years of injuries, poor drafts, bad scouting, and general neglect, were looking for premium players to rebuild around.
Sheets fits the bill.
He signed late in 1999 and didn't pitch much, so he entered the 2000 Double-A campaign with little pro experience to build on. Promoted to Triple-A at the halfway mark, Sheets continued to pitch very well, positioning himself for a shot at the rotation in 2001. Anyone who posts a 2.87 ERA in Triple-A in his first full pro season deserves accolades. Sheets works with a 92-94 mph sinking fastball, a curve, a slider, and a very good changeup. He knows how to throw strikes and change speeds, and is regarded as very polished and intelligent.