The other two pitching prospects in the deal, Butler and Mickolio, are huge (6 feet 7 and 6-9, respectively) and raw but project as major leaguers.
Sherrill, 30, doesn't fit the long-term plan, but he has value now and could be dealt to a contender if he doesn't settle in as a closer here.
Any lingering disappointment from the trade should be minimal. Certainly it would have been better if the Orioles had acquired another top-level prospect (such as slugger Jeff Clement, shortstop Carlos Triunfel or pitcher Brandon Morrow) for Bedard.
Also, the Orioles have a dearth of quality position players in their system and they have added just three hitters in the trades for Tejada and Bedard. But the thought within the warehouse is to obtain the best players possible, regardless of position; they can always deal an excess of quality arms for position needs at a later date.
The biggest potential positive, however, is that the Orioles might finally have found a center fielder for now and the future.
Center field was once one of the franchise's most stable positions. From 1960 to 1982 only three men, Jackie Brandt (1960-64), Paul Blair (1965-76) and Al Bumbry (1977-82), started Opening Day in center for the Orioles.
In comparison, since 2000, six Orioles - Brady Anderson, Melvin Mora, Chris Singleton, Gary Matthews Jr., Luis Matos and Corey Patterson - have opened the season in center here. In the past five seasons, the Orioles have had 23 players - almost an entire major league roster - play center field for at least one game.
That revolving door should close with this deal. And pairing Jones with right fielder Nick Markakis, 24, gives the Orioles one of the best young outfield duos in the American League for years to come.
It's all speculative, of course. A true assessment of this trade can't be delivered for at least two years, if not longer.
Giving up a legitimate, rare ace for prospects is always risky. But given the club's situation, the Orioles received a solid - maybe spectacular - haul for Bedard.
dan.connolly@baltsun.com
