Upon first hearing the news about the Baltimore Orioles and the fact that they traded their closer for two minor league baseball players, I was very surprised to hear the news. It really seemed like they gave him away for nothing in return. I knew nothing of Bell and Johnson, and wasn't happy about it.
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.
Sure, the season's obviously done in Baltimore. There's no way in the world they can think about catching the Yankees or the Red Sox, let alone the Rays. Maybe Toronto, but that'd get the team nowhere anyway.
Looking ahead, they'll need to make moves in order to become a competitive team in the AL East. The Yankees and Red Sox will surely stay competitive, so it'll likely take some big moves.
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.
Let's go Orioles! - 31492
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.
Sure, the season's obviously done in Baltimore. There's no way in the world they can think about catching the Yankees or the Red Sox, let alone the Rays. Maybe Toronto, but that'd get the team nowhere anyway.
Looking ahead, they'll need to make moves in order to become a competitive team in the AL East. The Yankees and Red Sox will surely stay competitive, so it'll likely take some big moves.
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.
Let's go Orioles! - 31492
About the Author:
Nicholas McMillan is an eternal MLB zealot, and is thrilled to see signs of improvement on the Orioles' part. He often contributes his input at this Baltimore Orioles forum, and lurks at their general sports forum whenever he needs a change of pace.
