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Post by Zack Jerome/Special to LAist
Intent on adding arms to a very tired bullpen, the Dodgers finalized a trade bringing them left-handed relief pitcher George Sherrill from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor leaguers Josh Bell and Steve Johnson. Sherrill, the Orioles All-Star closer, became available when the Orioles fell out of playoff contention sometime between Spring Training and Opening Day when it was confirmed the team was still in the AL East alongside the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays.
Sherrill will serve as setup man to fellow All-Star closer Jonathan Broxton, making the backend of the bullpen some tough customers. Sherrill should also bring some serious flair to the team with the way he wears his hat. Nicknamed “duckbill” by his former teammates, he should rival 4th outfielder Juan Pierre for flattest hat bill in the league.
The Dodgers still claim to be discussing a Roy Halladay trade with rumors abound that the Blue Jay ace could be had for a haul of five or six prospects. The Dodgers had previously balked at the need to include either Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw. It is hard to gauge the feasibility of a Halladay trade; especially given Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi’s almost schizophrenic powers of communication. At least five times daily, Ricciardi reports that “trade talks are dead” only to report an hour later “they are still listening to offers”.
Conceivably, the Dodgers have enough minor league pieces to make a trade. Halladay’s value will diminish at each of the Jays next two opportunities to deal the ace: the offseason and the trade deadline of the 2010 season. A package including Dee Gordon, Andrew Lambo, Josh Lindblom and Ethan Martin would certainly force Ricciardi to listen.
For now, the Dodgers are one reliever stronger and in their worst losing streak of the season. With less than 24 hours to go, they have improved, but still have not locked down the ace that could do wonders for a deep playoff run.
