| The Pros and Cons of the George Sherrill Trade |
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| Written by Nicholas McMillan | |||
| Sunday, 14 March 2010 09:54 | |||
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The first thought in my mind after hearing that the Orioles traded away closer George Sherrill for two minor league baseball players was "what in the world are they doing?!". It seemed like the team was burying itself by giving away a key piece in exchange for some scraps.
The first thought in my mind after hearing that the Orioles traded away closer George Sherrill for two minor league baseball players was "what in the world are they doing?!". It seemed like the team was burying itself by giving away a key piece in exchange for some scraps. Some more research into the players they received in return changed my mind slightly. Yes, I wish they had actually gotten someone who can help us here and now, instead of next year or whenever Bell and Johnson come up. There was no point in trying to contend for a 2009 playoff run. Way too many teams stand in the Orioles' way, especially the Red Sox and the Yankees, both over 15 games ahead of Baltimore. Let's face it. The Orioles aren't going to contend for the AL East this season. They might be an improved team from years past, but they're still last in their division, as nearly every team in the division is somewhat competitive. With Melvin Mora, 36, in his last year of his contract and having lost a good few steps, the Orioles needed a young player who could come up and take his spot in the future. Josh Bell, a third baseman, could most definitely fill any void that Mora leaves. Josh Bell could easily fill his shoes, as his .296 batting average, 11 home runs and 52 RBI with Chattanooga are all solid 2009 numbers. Johnson's posted very respectable numbers at the starting pitcher position for the same team, with a 9-5 record and a respectable 3.61 ERA. Both players have bright futures and could be key contributors to the Orioles in the years to come. Sure, they've lost a reliable closer in Sherrill, but now the Orioles have two more young players to look forward to that add to an already promising young core (Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and more). Maybe this will turn out to be the right move here. Let's go Orioles! About the Author: Nicholas McMillan is a lifelong MLB zealot, and is pleased to see signs of improvement on the Orioles' part. He often contributes his input at this Baltimore Orioles forum, and posts at their sports forum whenever he needs a break from baseball.
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