Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Braves Believe Breezy Isn't Flat Yet

According to Buster Olney, former Dodger George Sherrill, who was non-tendered earlier this month, is off to Atlanta next year, after a one-and-a-half-year Dodgers tenure that included ups (2009) and downs (2010):

Reliever George Sherrill agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, a source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Wednesday. The deal is pending a physical, which will take place within the next 48 hours.

The contract also includes $200,000 in incentives.

Sherrill, 33, is coming off the worst year of his seven-year career. He had a 6.69 ERA in 36.1 innings over 65 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. He has a career ERA of 3.76.

Sherrill joined us mid-year in 2009 and was automatic, with a 0.65 ERA in 30 games. His ERA+ was an otherworldly 621. That's SIX HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FRICKING-ONE, for pete's sake. A WHIP of 1.084. He faced 111 batters and only 19 got hits. He was awesome.

And then, in 2010, not so much. The 6.69 ERA doesn't even tell the tale of how lost Sherrill looked out there, as if he wasn't sure what was wrong or why he was on the mound. There were signs early on, in spring training, that Sherrill was going to be shaky; he said his spring statistics were always dodgy and he'd be fine when the season rolled around. But he wasn't. And it was clear he needed a change of locale next year.

Thanks for a great 2009, George; good luck to you.

7 comments:

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

The saddest part was that Sherrill never got it right. From spring training to September, it was pure, utter hell with him on the mound. The longest stretch of scoreless appearances he had was six. Contrast that with Broxton, who started the season with nine straight scoreless appearances. Broxton had a longer streak to start the season than Sherrill did all year.

Steve Sax said...

It's funny, I posted this tonight, rather than waiting until tomorrow morning, by accident. But I'm even more surprised that there's a comment already...

I really hoped Sherrill was going to turn it around in 2010 but it was clear pretty early on (say, May or so) that he was going to be a huge liability. He had no idea what the problem was. Hopefully he can figure it out...except when Atlanta plays us, of course.

Josh S. said...

His only highlight all season was that one game where it went like 14 innings and there was no one left to pitch but him. He pitched a scoreless inning when everyone expected him to give up at least three runs. Then Loney got that walk-off HR and Sherrill got the win.

I also think he was dissatisfied with how Torre was using him, and it came through in his performance.

Fred's Brim said...

Good luck, Breezy. I wish it had worked out better.

karina said...

The Dodgers are like the last stop for players to either go to the Braves or the White Sox.

Good Luck, Flat Breezy! (but not that much luck when you face us)

rbnlaw said...

It's like I tell my son all the time. If you're a lefty, and you can throw a breaking ball, you can play Major League Baseball for someone until the age of 50.

I started tying his right hand behind his back when playing catch. Not using a glove to catch the ball has been problematic, but the bruises are clearing up. Still can't throw the slider, which is disappointing. . . for a 9 year-old.

Fair winds, Breezy.

karina said...

that's hilarious Rbnlaw...when my cousin started playing baseball (he already quit) he was trying to be a first base.I insisted he should be left-handed but then I got yelled at because "this is only fun"

;)