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.
I’ve looked at the players they’ve received in consideration for Sherrill, and I must say I’m a little more pleased after analyzing the stats and the roles that each player (Bell and Johnson) will fill. They won’t do anything for the team in 2009, and may not do much in 2010, but a few years down the line, these could be key players on the Orioles team.
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, one of the players the Orioles received for Sherrill, has played solid baseball all season for the Chattanooga minor league team. In 94 games, he’s posted a .296 average, with 11 HRs and 52 runs batted in. Johnson, the other player received in the deal, is a starting pitcher with a 9-5 win loss record and a 3.61 earned run average.
These 2 players are just two more pieces of the Orioles’ game plan. Their rookies this year have been outstanding so here’s to hoping that Bell and Johnson can contribute to a future winning club. I, for one, think they will.
Can’t wait to see what becomes of this team!
Nicholas McMillan is an eternal baseball fan, and is pleased to see signs of improvement on the Orioles’ part. He often adds to his thoughts at this Baltimore Orioles forum, and posts at their sports forum whenever he needs a break from baseball.
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