Fantasy Analysis of George Sherrill to the Dodgers

According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com , the Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired George Sherrill from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for 3B Josh Bell and RHP Steve Johnson.

This is a great move for the Dodgers to solidify their bullpen, especially with Jonathan Broxton still suffering from the effects of a toe injury, an injury that is expected to bother him for the remainder of the season.  The presence of Sherrill could allow him some added rest, meaning that I wouldn’t simply release Sherrill if you are an owner who is desperate for saves.  While he’s not going to be the main source, he should be able to take a handful from here on out while they try to preserve Broxton for the playoffs.

As for the Orioles, I could see either Danys Baez or Jim Johnson taking over the closers role for the rest of the season, with Johnson as the favorite.  He already has two saves, as well as a 3.17 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.   He’s struggled lately, with a 5.91 July ERA, which is why Baez may see some opportunities.  Still, if you're looking for saves, Johnson is the better option to jump on.

As for Bell, he was listed as the Dodger’s eighth-best prospect prior to the season by Baseball America .  At Double-A he was hitting .296 with 11 HR and 52 RBI over 334 AB.  Prior to the season, they said that he “has the most raw power in the system and combines it with good leverage in his swing.  He has a good approach at the plate, swinging mostly at strikes and using the whole field.” 

Johnson started at Single-A and was recently being promoted to Double-A.  At those two levels, he went 9-5 with a 3.61 ERA and 117 K over 107.1 innings.  He was not listed among the team’s Top 10 prospects, but certainly has put himself on the map with strikeouts this season, though from what I’ve read, he’s more of a back of the rotation guy, at best.

Neither of the prospects will bring value in 2009, though I would have Bell on your 2010 radars.  With Melvin Mora getting up there in age, the Orioles will soon be in need of a replacement.

What are your thoughts on this deal?  Who is the big winner?  Who is the big loser?

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