Orioles: Sherrill's new deal
Orioles beat writer Jeff Zrebiec spoke to George Sherrill last night after he agreed to terms on a one-year, $2.75 million contract that averted a salary arbitration showdown with the club. Here are some excerpts from that conversation:
On getting the deal done: “It’s good to have it done and over with. We leave on Sunday [for Ft. Lauderdale]. It’s good to be able to fly down and have it behind us. I just never want to have to go through [arbitration]. I’ve heard stories about it. I would just rather avoid that completely.”
On his excitement about the upcoming season: “It was good at the end of the season to finish up and show them that I was strong and healthy. We got Chris Ray back and I think we’ve made a lot of minor moves. Andy’s got a good plan. I’m liking the shape of this organization. He’s got it going in a really good direction. From what I’ve read, it seems like there are some fans that are bickering about not getting some big-name guys, but when you see what you have coming up in next couple of years, you don’t want to get tied down into a bunch of long-term expensive contracts. When those guys show they’re ready, you start building around them.”
On the club's offseason moves: “The Markakis signing is a move in the right direction. Whether they agree with me or not it’s no big deal, I think Brian Roberts is one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. He’s a really good second baseman and I’d love to have him as a teammate over the next four years. That’s up to Andy. But I would be honored to have Brian Roberts as a teammate over the next four years.”
On having to compete with Chris Ray for the closer role: "[Dave Trembley and I] have talked a couple of times this offseason and with all due respect to Chris, that’s the way it should be. It was his job before I got here and I want to earn it from him. That’s the way it was last year. He’s one helluva closer and he’s proven it. I don’t think they want that type of pressure on him, but if he shows he’s ready, he’s ready. I’ll be proud to be his setup man if that’s how it works out. It’s about the team, just not about us. We want to make this organization into a winner.”
On how he feels: “I feel really good, I feel really strong. It will be good to get down to Florida in some warm weather for a change. I’m glad this is behind us. It’s going to be a really good season.”
> 
Comments
Can it be this easy?
7th inning--JJ
8th inning--Ray
9th inning--Platypus
Now, getting to the 6th inning is the rub....
Posted by: DNo | February 7, 2009 11:58 AM
This guy sounds too good to be true.
I remember my first look of him was walking in from the yankee stadium bullpen in the all-star game...what a gooofy looking dude! They GOTTA keep him around!
This guy is a throwback to fu manchu's, mullets, the mad hungarian, mark "the bird" fidyrich, and bill "spaceman" lee.
The kid is a character!
Posted by: doug | February 7, 2009 12:34 PM
I hope Sherrill is around for awhile. At first I thought they should turn him around and trade him, but with his team attitude the O's can use him as a mentor to younger players if he performs.
Posted by: nebraska_jeff | February 7, 2009 1:41 PM
If Ray is healthy, I think and hope that Sherrill will be traded. He puts too many runners on base for a closer , and it started to catch up with him the second half of the season last year. He has trade value , and could, I think be packaged with one or two fringe players to attract a respectable starter.
Posted by: woodieman | February 7, 2009 1:44 PM
Or they could just get more starters who can go 6 innings.
Posted by: Bobby | February 7, 2009 2:02 PM
DNo
I know this goes against all current conventional wisdom, but I would rather see Ray and Sherrill share the 8th and 9th based on matchups instead of having a true designated closer. But I also like the idea of the old school "fireman" who comes in to get a big out or two no matter what inning it is. (JJ would be the guy for that.)
While I'm breaking with conventions, I'll go on to true heresy. Since we have had a bunch of guys who could get through four innings and no one (other than Guthrie) who could get through six, mix and match the back end of the rotation and the long men. Send them out in duos like spring training. Hendrickson goes through the lineup twice then Penn comes in to do the same. Pauley/Hennessey/Baez/Albers goes a strong four innings, then Parrish/Waters comes in for three. Next week flip flop with Penn and Parrish (or whoever) starting and the other two going long. I know it's crazy, but it would give part of the pen the same prep as starters since they would be tied to a particular partner. Like I said - Crazy.
Posted by: PV | February 7, 2009 2:47 PM
Pete;
If Ray can come back, the relief pitching looks good. Everyone has concerns about the starting pitching. I hope the O's have a real competition in the spring. Let the arms that can throw strikes while missing a few bats win. My particular concens relate to MacPhail's efforts to manage the team before they play at all. Did you catch his interview on MASN the other evening? Even if Pie doesn't hit squat he will play just for his fielding. Name me a left fielder who is famous for his fielding? Left field is where offensive stars with limited defensive ability are hidden. How many games did the O's lose last year due to left field miscues?
MacPhail then did another poo poo routine on Wieter. A few other clubs have similar aged young catcher who are going to get a good look this spring. We haven't seen Wieter catch a game or have an AB yet and he is being assigned to the minors. This should be decided on performance not on age. Would Mauer be a better player if he had spent and extra year in the minors? Remember who this kid has for an agent. Wieter will not be happy if he sees less talented guys his age in the show while he rides the bus in the minors. I'm not nominating him for the Hall of Fame today, but this kid can really rake the ball and rake it with power. Treating him with less respect than Pie is madness (and Pie has given reasons to be treated like a suspect and not a prospect).
Posted by: Carl Mogensen | February 7, 2009 2:54 PM
he pete di you hear about arod? tested positive in 2003...... if mark dont get in the hall and i doubt barry or raffy will get in... do you think arod will be in the hall of fame when its all said and done with him testing positive for steroids now?
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: That's a fair question, but I don't have an answer yet. I haven't formulated an opinion, because I've been otherwise occupied today. There's plenty of time for that.
Posted by: john | February 7, 2009 3:07 PM
Hey Pete,
Since the O's still have a couple positions open for the starting pitchers, what are the chances of them signing Pedro Martinez or Kenny Rogers?
...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I think pretty close to zero.
Posted by: ted abramson | February 7, 2009 3:09 PM
DNo--Platypus? As in duck-billed? I like it!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFIKkz1tDqY/R_mD0uuKoJI/AAAAAAAAAEg/QH0vadJIInI/s400/BAL_SHERRILL_GEORGE.jpg
Posted by: Ken Francis | February 7, 2009 3:36 PM
Could he have been any less subtle about the "next four years" being what it takes to sign Roberts? I agree with him. I'll take Roberts for the next four.
Posted by: Dave | February 7, 2009 3:53 PM
I love this guy.
Posted by: Sam | February 7, 2009 3:55 PM
At least he recognizes the O's only made some minor moves in the off season. This is till largely the same team as last year and most of the new comers aren't difference makers.
Posted by: John | February 7, 2009 3:59 PM
Getting out of the 1st inning...aw...nevermind...let's wait and see. Stay optimistic.
Posted by: Doug | February 7, 2009 4:26 PM
This is a statement regarding trades of Orioles and Ravens.
Why not trade Mora to the Texas Rangers , who need a third basemen , for a pitcher. Let Wiitinton play third base.
Trade Ray Ray to the Cardinals for Boldin ?
Both sound good to me.
Posted by: ed | February 7, 2009 4:32 PM
Has Ray really done anything more than Sherrill over the past few years? I think the closer role is just as much Sherrill's job as it is Ray's. It should be an open competition with neither guy being the 'incumbent'. Either way, I hope these guys can stay healthy...looks like the back end of the bullpen might be the strength of out team this season. If Ray and Sherrill both pitch well early in the season, do you think either of them could be traded for an infield prospect or two?
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: If they both do well and the rest of the bullpen is okay, I could see a midseason trade. For what, I don't know.
Posted by: Jow | February 7, 2009 4:41 PM
Pete,
I am a baseball fan, learned how to read using box scores. Can't begin to tell you all my memorable o's stories. I love baseball and the Orioles.
On wednesday night I meant my heros at the babe ruth museum, spent way to much money but chalked it up to , it was cal and eddie worth every dime I spent.
Today it is reported that A-rod is the most recent fallen hero. I know this has nothing to do with this blog, but you followed baseball for a long time.
Is there any end in sight to this. Or is every player now guilty.
thanks
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: There is no end in sight. Very sad situation.
Posted by: chef | February 7, 2009 4:54 PM
i'd like o see the o's trade sherrill and scott for a few young high caliber prospects.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 7, 2009 5:28 PM
WITH THAT KIND OF ATTITUDE AND WHERE HE CAME FROM NEVER TRADE HIM.........MAKE HIM AN ORIOLEL FOR LIFE..
Posted by: ed stillian | February 7, 2009 6:24 PM
Has Sherrill been living in Baltimore over the winter?
...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I don't believe so.
Posted by: Bill In Elkton | February 7, 2009 6:37 PM
Any comments on A-Roid? Not that it is a surprise. Or that he wasn't in the Mitchell report. After all the Mitchell report only followed two sources of steroids to MLB players. Who is naive enough to think they had exclusive distribution rights to MLB (move over Coke)? I still think if the feds went after the suppliers to the nfl that they would turn up a whole lot more mlb users.
...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I'll address it in my next post. Been buried today.
Posted by: Rusty | February 7, 2009 7:07 PM
D*mn I like his attitude. I hope Chris Ray blows him away only so that we have that strong a set-up man. Have already booked tix to FLL mid March - can't wait
Posted by: PGD | February 7, 2009 7:45 PM
Quote Sherrill - "...I'll be proud to be his setup man ....It's all about the team .
How refreshing to hear him speak like that . How many times do we hear players bi_ _h when they are asked to make a change ( all the while drawing that check ) .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | February 7, 2009 8:44 PM
I've been a big SHerrill fan since he's been an O. Stand up guy, good attitude etc ...sounds like we will have some gritty competitors in '09 and who knows-maybe we surprise the experts...
Posted by: TerryP | February 8, 2009 8:35 AM
37 frigging pitchers in the fold! Do you think we might be able to get 3 or 4 to go more than 4 innings?
Posted by: Finder | February 8, 2009 12:15 PM
George is a class guy. I followed his 'breakout' season with the Mariners in '07, interviewed him in Fort Lauderdale in March of last year for then employer KOMO (Mariners flagship station in Seattle) and was excited for George with the success he had for the Birds. Believe me, he's a great guy to talk to. Very down-to-earth, level-headed, humble, yet very confident of his ability. Gotta say that George was one primo reason I followed the Orioles from afar...and I wish him a great '09 as well! Go get 'em, my man!
Posted by: Bob Mathers | February 8, 2009 2:04 PM
Hey Ed:
First, you can't trade Mora to the Rangers for pitching because (A) Mora has a full no-trade clause that he wouldn't waive to go to Texas, and (B) Texas doesn't have any pitching to spare.
Second, you can't trade Ray Lewis because he's a free agent. To get Boldin, I think you'd need a similar package to what Dallas gave up to get Roy Williams (1st, 3rd, and 5th round picks). Not sure how ok with that I'd be, given Ozzie's success with the draft.
Posted by: mstrchef13 | February 9, 2009 7:59 AM