Tuesday, May 05, 2009

O's Demote Sherrill, Bullpen Holds "Relievers Only" Mtg


http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.osnotes05may05,0,6624018.story

O's relievers close door - - - Bullpen meeting called after pronouncement on Sherrill

By Jeff Zrebiec jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com
May 5, 2009

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - With their roles no longer certain, Orioles relievers held a "bullpen only" meeting in the visiting clubhouse at Tropicana Field before Monday's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
They were mum on what was discussed, though Orioles manager Dave Trembley made it clear that the meeting was planned by the relievers, not the coaching staff, who held their own meeting in Trembley's office before the game.
"That was an impromptu get-together on their part," Trembley said.
The bullpen is in flux after Trembley's pronouncement Sunday that George Sherrill, who has blown two saves in six chances this season, is no longer the full-time closer and that the role will be decided on a "day-to-day" basis.
Trembley elaborated on the decision before Monday's game, and acknowledged that it is slightly out-of-character for him not to have relievers in established roles.
"It probably is different, but sometimes you have to do some things a little different to try and win a game," Trembley said. "I'll have to wait and see. I think sometimes it depends on the score and also depends on who's available and who is pitching well. And I also think sometimes you have to go away from the norm a little when things aren't going well for you, and right now things aren't going well for us."
Trembley pointed to Sherrill's struggles getting right-handed batters out - they are hitting .394 against him with three homers in 33 at-bats - as a reason for the change. He said right-handers Jim Johnson and Chris Ray could get save chances but that Danys Baez will stay in his current role and be used as a bridge to get to the back end of the bullpen.
"I'm not excluding George, but I think everybody that has followed the club understands the difference in the right and left situations," Trembley said. "I'm certainly not trying to be disrespectful at all. I'm very much appreciative of what George has done, but I also think there are other things to consider."
*&*@&$*@&#*$&@*#$&

1 comment: