UPDATE: Athletics sign Ben Sheets

Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting that the Athletics and Ben Sheets have agreed to a one year deal worth 10 million dollars plus incentives. 

Sheets, 31, missed the entire 2009 season recovering from elbow surgery but is expected to be ready to go for Spring Training. His fastball was recently clocked at 91 mph, and if teams believe his secondary pitchers are there (ie. his nasty 12-6 curveball) then he may get he 8 million he is seeking.

The Athletics have a lot of young pitchers, but bringing in a veteran to give some of these guys more time could be more beneficial down the road. Not only that, but this would be nice response to the Mariners and Angels' moves this offseason. 

 

ESPN.com's Buster Olney is reporting that while the A's just signed Sheets, they are still talking with free agent Johnny Damon, who they could spend roughly 4-5 million dollars on.