Sherrill Unavailable?

Just when you think the O's finally understand it ...

Moving Bedard was the FIRST piece - not the only piece - to a complete retooling. Flirting with 500 was the worst thing that could have happened to the O's. They still have 5 guys that could be moved for future pieces. Oh well.

This is off topic and everything, but are you planning on doing a chat or two tomorrow or today?

It seems like a chat would warrant lots of interest.

This is the reason why the O's have been dreadful for so long and will continue to be for years to come.

Keep hanging onto the old 3rd,1st and 2nd baseman.
While you're at it, keep your
15 middle relievers too!

It isn't like Sherrill is a dominating closer. They are ignorant for not letting teams overpay for him. Have fun in the cellar for years.

Ok...what in God's name is Andy up to?! I defended him through the Roberts/Cubs non-deal because A)I didn't think the Cubs were offering enough (which seems correct, based on the names that were involved and BRob's season) and B)he'd done such a nice job with both the Tejada and Bedard deals. Nevertheless, I'm beginning to see what the Cubbie crazies were talking about with all that 'dragging his heels' talk. It may have worked out for the best in the Roberts talks, but now it's just getting annoying.

Charlie- You're wrong about Sherrill; dude is nails. His peripheral numbers aren't that great, but look at the stat that counts- he's converted 30 saves in 36 chances. For contrast, Papelbon's converted 30 of 34 and there aren't too many real baseball fans/pundits who don't consider Paps one of the top 2 or 3 relievers in the game (along with Rivera and KRod). That's really not a huge difference and no one is even saying Sherrill is in Paps' class. Still, he's a deserving All Star who comes up big when the chips are down.

Some guys just thrive under pressure and don't know what to do when they've got a big lead. Aside from a poor stretch right before the All Star break, that's been Sherrill's M.O. all year. He makes things 'interesting', no doubt, but with the game on the line, he's one of the few closers in the game that I'd trust.

Last night was a great example. Sherrill came in with a 4 run lead and proceeded to give up 3 runs before striking out the last two batters with a man on second. It kills his numbers, but he's a finisher and there was absolutely NO DOUBT in my mind, that the O's would pull it out.

...but like 7thinningstretch said...Heyman is a d-bag, so maybe this is all just deadline hot air. Let's hope so

Think about this - at this point in the season, there are a few teams that are in the race.

These teams generally do NOT need a closer -

TB: Percival, Wheeler (if necessary)
Bos: Paplebon
NY: Rivera

Min: Nathan
CWS: Jenks (may be opening if injury gets worse?)
Det: Zumaya, Rodney, Jones (opening here - no prospects worthy of trade however)

Anh: K-Rod

Mets: Wagner
Phillies: Lidge
Marlins: Gregg (possible trade here)

Brewers: Torres (possible trade - unlikely to trade at this point)
Cubs: Wood, Smarjarza (sp?), Marmol
Cardinals: Izzy, Franklin

Dodgers: Broxton (possible trade)
DBack: Lyon, Pena, Rouch
Rockies: Fuentes

There really isn't much of a market for teams that need closers desperately. Not enough to warrant trading a top prospect.

If the Orioles wait until the winter - they have 30 teams at 0-0. Plenty of trade options will open and teams will have the financial openings to take him on (granted hes not expensive).

This bidding war will probably get them more than trading him now, honestly.

Also, UgotRPK-

You make an interesting point. However, the value of relievers, typically spikes at this time of the year. I think if you look back at trades involving 'pen pitchers, you'll find that the top returns usually come in deadline deals. I also think you oversimplify the need for RP help with your otherwise impressively comprehensive breakdown of contenders and their closers. Regardless of the role Sherrill would play, there isn't a team playing for a postseason berth that WOULDN'T prefer to bolster their bullpen; particularly in the lefty department. The question is cost. For many, the situation is not so dire as to relent to the admittedly high demands of sellers like Baltimore. For others, its a question to consider.

With less than a day left, we'll have our answer soon enough.

milehigh78,

I watch every game as I live in Baltimore and I'm an O's.

Sure, he gets the job done. But how much of that is luck? How many times has he hung a slider, but yet gets away with it? He leaves far too many pitches up. With his stuff he cannot do that.

I'm not throwing empty stats at you. I watch every game and I see what's going on.

Like I said, he gets the great save number you speak so highly of. But if you're a world series team, would you want him pitching with people on and the game on the line? He would not be my first pick and that's what it comes down to.