Has reality finally sunk in: Dodgers reportedly place George Sherrill on waivers
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Who said it couldn’t happen?
Finally biting the bullet and doing what’s obviously been needed for weeks, according to multiple media outlets the Dodgers have placed George Sherrill on outright waivers.
AOL Fanhouse, Dodgers.com and ESPN/LA.com are quoting an unnamed source saying the left-handed reliever has been waived.
That means any team has three days to claim Sherrill and the remainder of his $4.5-million salary. Given that he has a 7.32 earned-run-average and has struggled all season, being claimed seems unlikely.
If Sherrill goes unclaimed, he can accept a minor-league assignment from the Dodgers -- likely triple-A Albuquerque -- or declare himself a free agent. The latter, however, would mean forfeiting the rest of his $4.5-million contract.
It seems in both Sherrill’s and the Dodgers’ best interest for him to return to the minors so he can try to get his problems ironed out.
The Dodgers had tried most everything -- using him to start innings, in situations only against left-handed hitters and even a stint on the disabled list -- and nothing had turned him around.
Still, enamored with the stunning 0.65 ERA he sported with the Dodgers after they acquired him last July 30, Manager Joe Torre kept trying to find him a situation where Sherrill could succeed. Torre frequently talked about Sherrill’s history.
His recent history, however, was all bad. This move was overdue. Hopefully, if Sherrill clears waivers, he’ll accept the minor-league duty. More likely: the Dodgers have already discussed the outcome with him and he’s agreed to the assignment.
-- Steve Dilbeck