Braves Add Sherrill To Pen

In what looks to be the last move by Frank Wren at these winter meetings, the Braves signed relief pitcher George Sherrill to a one year contract worth a reported $1.2 million.

The left hander had a historically bad year with the Dodgers last season, racking up a 6.69 ERA for the Dodgers in 65 appearances (which leads one to ask just how bad that bullpen was to give the ball 65 freaking times to a guy with a 6.69 ERA!!!).

In classic “Wren Spin™”, Frank Wren pointed out that Sherrill was still effective against left handed hitters (against right handed hitters, the hitter was first asked if they would accept a double rather than being pitched to, and if they accepted a double was awarded by the umpire. A rash of these “awarded doubles” significantly improved his stats against right handed hitters (darn, where did I put that sarcasm font?).

I watched Sherrill pitch a half-dozen times or so last year. It seemed to me that he was searching for home plate about as effectively as my search for the sarcasm font. He seemed lost.

I’m not opposed to bottom fishing for middle relief help, as true bargains can be found there. I’m surprised that Sherrill was even able to get a guaranteed contract after his 2010 season. And $1.2 million seems rich to me, especially if Sherrill becomes the Braves’ number two situational lefty.

Thoughts?