Tigers Unlikely To Acquire Reliever

Not sure if this interests you, Tim, but this report has the Rockies interested in Washburn, among others..

http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_10036816

Scott Schoeneweis for Marcus Thames?

LMAO... yeah, there's no way the Tigers deal Thames for Schoeneweis.

If this is true, I'm very dissappointed in Dave Dombrowski. This team is built to win today. Why not just trade away prospects for decent relievers?

Last night is a perfect example of why stat-based analysis is so inadequate. Yes, Sherrill gave up several runs in the ninth (so, for that matter, did Damaso Marte in his inning), but he got the save. In the end, isn't that what's important?!

There's no doubt that Sherrill seems to enjoy...let's call it drama. He's gotten himself into more than his share of jams and walks too many guys- not because of poor command, but because its the way he pitches; his M.O. is to avoid the strike zone as much as possible in order to force guys to swing at bad pitches. Still, if you look at the saves vs. opportunities, you'll see he's only blown six saves this year in 36 tries. Not exactly Mariano Rivera, but...who is? Beside which, Rivera ain't on the market; Sherrill is. He's also signed for under $1 million while Rivera costs $15 mil annually, so...

Another interesting fact. Despite having a MUCH higher ERA and WHIP, Sherrill has blown exactly 2 more saves than Jonathan Pappelbon- arguably the games second-best closer (along with KRod, who has blown 3 saves)...and that's with a couple more chances TO blow 'em.

When the chips are down, in other words, the guy may make things...interesting, but he gets the job done. Looking solely at his stats, you'd think him unworthy of such attention...to say nothing of his All Star selection. Nevertheless, those in the know seem to have a pretty high opinion of him and his performance, thus far.

As an O's fan who has watch his fair share of games this season, I can say with all certainty that, while Sherrill isn't on par with the VERY BEST closers in the game- the aforementioned trio, for instance- he's still an excellent finisher who, strangely, exudes a contagious amount of confidence. Even after he allowed Giambi's 1 out 2 run single last night, I KNEW we were going to win. He just needed to be properly motivated.

Some guys are weird like that. They EXCEL under pressure. The same guys often appear to relax when the game isn't on the line and, in such cases, are prone to giving up runs. EVERY TIME I've watched Sherrill pitch this season when the game was tight (within a run or two)- with the exception of that awful run he had right before the All Star break- he's been absolutely lights out.

That kind of attitude- the ice-water-in-the-veins effect- is exactly what you want out of a closer...and Sherrill's got plenty of it, along with big brass ones.

For those in other markets who come onto this site and disparage the guy sight-unseen, based solely on the numbers...I'd simply ask you to watch a few of his games. If, at that point, you're still not sold...well, I'll gladly agree to disagree. But- and I guess this is pointed at Tim, since it was his original post that prompted this little diatribe- PLEASE watch him. Don't base your assessments on statistics. The game is played on the field.

The Tigers DO NOT need another reliever/closer that builds his own drama. They already have that problem with jones and rodney. Sherrill isn't worth the price, even if you do consider him an upgrade. Tigers fans want a shut down closer and you just testified he brings drama. We've had enough of that.
and thames is part of the future, a productive part. no way he gets dealt for a fluke. dombrowski won't make the same mistake twice.

If the tigers dump prospects, I expect it'll be a couple of the outfielders they have in AAA. More than likely for a reliever that throws STRIKES. nothin special.