News
Sherrill hopes to remain in Baltimore
Orioles left-handed reliever accustomed to trade talks
By Brian Eller / MLB.com
07/28/09 6:53 PM ET
BALTIMORE -- George Sherrill has been through all of this before. The rumors, the gossip, having his name involved in possible trades around the league.
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But make no mistake. Despite all of the talk of being dealt, the Orioles reliever wants to stay in Baltimore.
"Same as it was last year," Sherrill said. "I don't want to go anywhere, but that's not my call. If somebody's willing to give them something that they feel they can rebuild with, then that's the choice they're going to make, but if I'm here, I'd love to be. If I'm not, then I'll just go help whoever."
With several teams around the Majors searching for help in the bullpen as Friday's non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches, Sherrill's name has been a mainstay at the top of the list of desirable relievers. This season, Sherrill has appeared in 41 games for the Orioles, allowing just 11 earned runs while accumulating 20 saves, eighth best in the American League.
Sherrill is coming off of his best season in 2008, during which he had 31 saves and made his first career All-Star appearance. While there has been no word on whether Sherrill will remain an Oriole, should he be traded, it would leave Baltimore's bullpen with Jim Johnson, who would likely assume closer duties.
As of Tuesday, Sherrill said he hasn't spoken with Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail about the possibility of being traded, even admitting he has "no idea of where we're at right now." But with the youth movement continuing to be the focus of the Orioles organization this season, Sherrill said he'd like to remain in Baltimore and will be glad when the Deadline passes.
"Yeah, I don't see me going anywhere in August," Sherrill said with a smile, "so one way or another it'll be a good feeling."
Brian Eller is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
