The entire baseball world expects CC Sabathia to decline the Brewers' offer of arbitration, and a FOXSports.com report on Wednesday hinted that Ben Sheets intends to do the same. Ken Rosenthal cited a "Major League source" saying that the longtime Brewer Sheets was "likely" to decline the club's offer before Sunday's deadline for players to decide.

The Brewers offered arbitration on Monday to Sabathia, Sheets and reliever Brian Shouse, mostly to secure Draft compensation should any of those three players depart via free agency. Sabathia and Sheets are Type A free agents who would net Milwaukee two extra Draft picks before the end of the second round, and Shouse is a Type B free agent who would draw one compensatory pick.

It would not be entirely surprising for Sheets to decline, because even with his injury troubles since the end of the 2004 season, he is likely to draw at least a couple of multiyear offers on the open market once the top free-agent arms sign. Sheets is a four-time All-Star, including a start for the National League squad in 2008.

But there was -- and remains until he formally makes a decision -- the possibility the Sheets will accept the Brewers' offer, making him a signed player for 2009. Both sides would then negotiate contract terms, eventually going to an arbitration panel to decide a one-year salary if they cannot reach agreement.

There was some discussion at Miller Park last week about whether to offer Sheets arbitration in the first place, given his troubles with injuries since his fabulous 2004 season. He missed much of September and all of the postseason in 2008 because of a torn flexor muscle near his right elbow, and he has also had shoulder and hamstring ailments over the years. Those worries could cause other teams to shy away from offering Sheets a multiyear contract.

Sheets earned about $12 million last season and stands to get a raise in arbitration if he accepts. If Rosenthal's source is correct, Sheets and agent Casey Close will take their chances at a longer deal on the market. There have already been reports that Houston ace Roy Oswalt has spoken with Sheets about the Astros, who this week re-signed Mike Hampton.

Close was not available for comment on Wednesday.

Even if Sabathia, Sheets or Shouse decline the arbitration offer, the Brewers could still continue negotiations. If Sabathia and Sheets leave Milwaukee for contracts elsewhere, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin likely would have to refocus his efforts to add a starting pitcher via free agency or trade before the start of 2009. Today, the team has Yovani Gallardo, Dave Bush, Jeff Suppan, Manny Parra and Seth McClung under control but little depth beyond those arms.