Orioles Closer For Sale

Today’s Baltimore Sun reports that the Baltimore Orioles are unlikely to make a big deal by this years MLB Trade Deadline, unless of course closer George Sherrill is included. First, I have to say that is really no surprise. Out of all the teams veterans only Nick Markakis and Sherrill would be considered big deals.

The Orioles do have a few players that have drawn interest, they’re the usual suspects Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora and Danys Baez. None of whom could be considered be big ticket items, they’d be role players on a contending team. Very good role players, but still spare parts. They’re guys that could get you at best a mid-level prospect and guys that could easily be had at the waivers deadline in August.

So looking at the Sun’s article I have to say the only way there would be a big deal was if it involved Sherrill, it’s the only noteworthy one they could make.

Sherrill is 32 now and an average big league closer. He was the Orioles 2008 All-Star representative ending the season with 31 saves and a 4.72 era. He’s been much improved in 2009, sporting a 2.40 era with 20 saves in 23 opportunities. Even with the improvement I’d still call him an average closer as he loves to let runners on base, 47 in only 41 and a third innings.

Looking at that you have to wonder what makes him attractive to a contender. Well, he’s proven he can get out of the jams he creates, but more importantly he’s a left handed pitcher. If he were to go to a contender with a solid closer, he could be an outstanding talent in the 8th inning. To no surprise the teams with the elite closers are the ones looking at him.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – The Angels of Brian Fuentes whose had an outstanding year. He’s already had 30 saves matching last years total. He’s also got the problem of making things interesting. Bringing Sherrill in would give manager Mike Scioscia more options depending on the situation.

Los Angeles Dodgers – They’ve got Jonathan Broxton and you have to ask is there many better in the National League. He’s got 23 saves with a 2.76 era and 73 strikeouts in 45 innings. The Dodgers problem lately has been getting the ball to Broxton. They’ve got solid relievers but they’re starting to show signs of fatigue, the norm with Joe Torre relievers at this time of year.

Philadelphia Phillies – The Phils have Brad “Lights Out” Lidge and an outstanding set-up man in Ryan Madson but they do have question marks everywhere else in that bullpen. They’ve got two key middle relievers, JC Romero and Chad Durbin both on the disabled lists and way too many Chan Ho Park sightings. If the deals for Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee fall through the Phillies can turn to Sherrill and the Orioles. What this would do is help shorten the game to six innings on most night for their starting pitchers. With guys like Pedro Martinez and Jamie Moyer, you’ll need those extra quality relievers.

The Orioles won’t be selling Sherrill for cheap. Both the Angels and Dodgers have been told they’ll have to give up their top third base prospects in any move. For the Dodgers that would mean Josh Bell, and for the Angels Brandon Wood.

Can’t blame the Orioles one bit, Sherrill may be 32 but he’s under team control for two more seasons. Fr a financially strapped club you got to keep those kind of guys.

“There are very few teams in baseball that couldn’t use a quality left-handed reliever,” president Andy MacPhail said. “We don’t feel an obligation to be the farm system for a contending team. We’ll act on whatever we perceive is in the best interest of the club.”

I don’t blame the Orioles one bit for putting a high price on their trade chips. The future is bright for this young team and to compete in the American League East they’ll need all the help they can get.

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Tags: Baltimore Orioles, George Sherrill, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, Philadelphia Phillies