George Sherrill Traded, Dave Johnson Elated

The Baltimore Orioles pulled off the obvious and traded reliever George Sherrill to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In exchange, the Orioles get a decent switch-hitting third base prospect in Josh Bell, and a capable minor league starter in Steve Johnson.

The same Steve Johnson that is a Baltimore native and the son of Dave Johnson, a former Oriole pitcher and current MASN broadcaster.

Truth is, Sherrill was the only valuable trade commodity that the Orioles were willing to part with. And for good reason; he did convert 20 out of 23 save opportunities this season, but he certainly wasn’t above creating his share of ninth-inning heart palpitations.

Plus, no matter how many people faked like they thought it was cool, wearing your cap with a flat brim is a baseball fashion fail.

As for the Johnson kid, his exploits in Double-A seem like he may be a solid addition in 2010, which should make for an interesting defining moment when Johnson the Father attempts to hold back tears for his son’s first start for the O’s.

Yeah, it’s still waiting til’ next year. But activity to reduce future mediocrity is better than standing still in current failure.

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