If we fall out of the race in the next month, then obviously the best choice is trading Sheets. I think we are assuming that we won't go on that kind of losing streak.
That does not answer the question so why post anything at all? This IS the Trade Rumors section. I would say Sheets is worth two top prospects and two nice lower level prospects. but was just wondering if it would be better to trade him or take the picks? Does my post not answer this question?
Free Agent Starting pitchers Jeremy Affeldt (30) Tony Armas Jr. (31) Kris Benson (33) A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season Paul Byrd (38) Roger Clemens (46) Matt Clement (33) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout Ryan Dempster (32) Chad Durbin (31) Josh Fogg (32) Jon Garland (29) Tom Glavine (43) Mike Hampton (36) Mark Hendrickson (35) Livan Hernandez (34) Orlando Hernandez (43) Jason Jennings (30) Randy Johnson (45) John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout Jon Lieber (39) Esteban Loaiza (37) - $7.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.375MM buyout Braden Looper (34) Derek Lowe (36) Greg Maddux (43) Pedro Martinez (37) Jamie Moyer (46) Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout Mike Mussina (40) Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout Odalis Perez (32) Oliver Perez (27) Andy Pettitte (37) Mark Prior (27) Kenny Rogers (44) C.C. Sabathia (28) Curt Schilling (42) Ben Sheets (30) John Smoltz (42) - $12MM club option for '09 Brett Tomko (36) Josh Towers (32) Steve Trachsel (38) Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option Kip Wells (32) Woody Williams (42) Randy Wolf (32) I've Bolded the only pitchers on that list that I would be willing to consider. That is a pretty poor FA class for SP. Looks like a trade would be a much better option.
I'm not sure why you are so down on those pitching matchups. It seems like our best 4 against their best 4, even though Bush has pitched better of late.