ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports Houston Astros SP Roy Oswalt has been trying to convince owner Drayton McLane to sign free-agent SP Ben Sheets (Brewers).

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the Texas Rangers could target free-agent SP Ben Sheets (Brewers) in the offseason.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt reports the Milwaukee Brewers could increase their efforts to re-sign SP Ben Sheets if they fail to re-sign SP CC Sabathia.

General manager Doug Melvin said Wednesday that not being able to re-sign CC Sabathia may cause the Brewers to increase their efforts to bring back Ben Sheets. "There's that possibility," Melvin said. "We can't do anything until we get a feel from CC's people. We do have a need for a starting pitcher. Ben is familiar with Milwaukee and we're familiar with him."Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Ben Sheets has no structural damage in his elbow and expects it to be fully healed prior to spring training, according to ESPN. Talks with the Brewers have been productive and he could still remain with the club, but the Brewers will let him hit the free agent market.The Rangers are going to consider Sheets, which would be a favorable destination as he lives in Dallas in the off-season. The Astros are also on his list of preferred landing spots, but the Cubs, Mets, Yankees, and Orioles are all believed to be possible suitors.

The Canadian Pres reports the Toronto Blue Jays are believed to have spoken with the agent for free-agent SP Ben Sheets (Brewers).

Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said the club was preparing an initial offer to Sheets. "I've talked to Casey Close," Melvin said, referring to Sheets' agent. "I told him we'll keep the door open. I know they want to go through the [free agent] process but I am going to meet with Casey at the GM's Meetings next week." It is unclear whether the Brewers plan to pursue Gagne, who finished the season strong after a poor start to his lone season in Milwaukee. Shouse, who turned 40 in September, has been a key member of the bullpen for the past two seasons and said he prefers to return, but would like a two-year contract.

Tom Haudricourt, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has spoken with Casey Close, the agent for free-agent SP Ben Sheets (Brewers). However, Melvin did not say if the team has any plans to offer him a contract.

Tony Massarotti, of The Boston Globe, reports the Boston Red Sox are unlikely to make a push to sign big free-agent pitchers in the offseason such as Milwaukee Brewers SP CC Sabathia, free-agent SP Ben Sheets (Brewers) or free-agent SP Derek Lowe (Dodgers).

Brewers' GM Doug Melvin stated that he will keep the door open when asked if the team would attempt to re-sign Ben Sheets, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.The Brewers are expected to fight others teams, like the Yankees, to keep CC Sabathia, so it doesn't seem that the team will be willing to shell out a lot of money to keep Sheets as well.

Asked Thursday whether the Brewers would attempt to re-sign Ben Sheets, general manager Doug Melvin said: "We'd keep the door open." Melvin has revealed publicly that the team plans to make CC Sabathia an offer, which seemingly would indicate that doing the same with Sheets isn't a priority.Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

The Associated Press reports Milwaukee Brewers SP Ben Sheets filed for free agency.