"If you know your role and you know when you are going to pitch ... you can prepare yourself and get ready for it," Bradford said. "It was tough at times, but after a while, you kind of knew you had to do what you had to do. Sometimes you may need to pitch in the seventh, sometimes you had to close the game out. It's just the way it was."
This year, the ninth inning is Sherrill's alone. That means the eighth can be Walker's and Bradford's - at least to start - allowing Trembley to carve out specific roles for inexperienced relievers such as Randor Bierd and Dennis Sarfate. Low-pressure experience is often invaluable in developing pitchers.
"We could have a pretty good bullpen, but at the same time, we need to establish roles and know who is doing what so there is no question," Sherrill said. "And when it gets to a certain time, you can get up, get ready and go in."
He has only four career big league saves, but he doesn't need to be Mariano Rivera to establish stability for the Orioles' pen. He only needs to be fairly consistent - because continuity is every bit as important as results for this club. And, conversely, nothing is more demoralizing than losing a game you are in position to win.
As one American League scout said, Sherrill isn't a closer, but he can close games. He might never be among the elite, but he should be able to effectively handle an important and difficult job.
Go one step further. Assume Sherrill really takes to this promotion. Assume he saves 30, maybe 35 games and blows only a few.
Then when Ray returns from ligament-reconstruction surgery in September, or next spring, he can be eased back into his old role. And when the July 2009 trade deadline rolls around, the Orioles could market Sherrill as a guy who can finish games. His value will be higher - and so will the return on the investment. Plus, his presence allows the team to shop Walker and/or Bradford at this year's trade deadline, if the interest is there.
Basically, dealing for Sherrill, and keeping him this year, accomplishes three things: It fills a temporary void left by Ray; it establishes a consistent hierarchy, taking pressure off the young relievers, and it gives the Orioles more trade options.
Jones and Tillman were obviously the keys to the Bedard deal, and should be bright spots for the future.
Sherrill, however, might be the most important addition for 2008.
dan.connolly@baltsun.com
