Ben

Sheets

''I just needed some extra rest,’' Sheets said. ''It’s OK.’' Sheets has had a tight back all season but still has respectable numbers (4.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 105/29 K/BB) except for his 25 home runs allowed, which lead the majors. If he struggles tonight against the Pirates there will be more of a cause for concern.

The Brewers are keeping the personnel intact, just altering the order.

Ben Sheets, making $2.4 million this season, is due for a hefty raise in arbitration. GM Doug Melvin probably won’t be able to sign a $10 million-per-year player, but the extra money could give him flexibility to sign a player to back-loaded multiyear contract. In addition to the free-agent list, he plans to look for players on whom other teams want to give up, possibly picking up some salary in the process.

Sheets makes his final start of the season today. He’ll visit a Dallas back specialist on Oct. 11.

“We’ll discuss a long-term deal but we might wait until the spring to see how his rehab goes,” GM Bob Melvin said. “I’m confident he’ll be OK but the thing about successful surgeries is they’re not completely successful until you’re back on the field.”

The team will want Sheets to show he’s fully recovered from back surgery before they attempt to sign him to a three-year deal. Contrary to what Peter Gammons keeps repeating, Sheets is not eligible for free agency until following the 2006 season. He’s not likely to become available in trade talks in July.

The rest of the rotation hasn’t been decided yet. Victor Santos is the heavy favorite for the third spot, and Chris Capuano, Ben Hendrickson, Jose Capellan, Gary Glover, Jorge De La Rosa and Rick Helling are also in the running for jobs.

“I think it’s already better than it was last year,” he said. “It feels great. There’s no pain.” If Sheets’ back still seems fine in the spring, the Brewers are expected to attempt to sign him to a three-year deal.

Free agent Miguel Batista is another possibility. It’s unclear what the Jays would offer for Sheets, but either Alexis Rios or Gabe Gross would probably have to be involved. The Brewers would also likely have some interest in young catchers Kevin Cash and Guillermo Quiroz.

Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin took a call this week regarding Sheets’ availability, but it was from a reporter. Melvin said he has no motivation to part with his staff ace at the moment.