masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWithin the span of a few minutes, I had four readers ask whether the Orioles would have any interest in claiming left-hander George Sherrill off waivers.

Unfortunately, I’m giving the same answer: I really don’t know. He just became available.

I can only speculate that the Orioles will pass because they currently have two left-handers in their bullpen – though Mark Hendrickson and Will Ohman are trade candidates – and Michael Gonzalez nearing a return from his injury rehab assignment….Within the span of a few minutes, I had four readers ask whether the Orioles would have any interest in claiming left-hander George Sherrill off waivers.

Unfortunately, I’m giving the same answer: I really don’t know. He just became available.

I can only speculate that the Orioles will pass because they currently have two left-handers in their bullpen – though Mark Hendrickson and Will Ohman are trade candidates – and Michael Gonzalez nearing a return from his injury rehab assignment. They’re paying Gonzalez $12 million over two seasons. They’d like to get something back from their investment.

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Sherrill would be owed the remainder of his $4.5 million salary.

Ed Price of AOL FanHouse reported that the Dodgers placed Sherrill on waivers after the former Orioles closer posted a 7.32 ERA and walked 16 batters in 19 2/3 innings. He was bothered by some back tightness earlier this season.

The Dodgers were bothered by his performance, but they’re hoping that he clears waivers and can be outrighted to Triple-A.

I’ll let you know if I hear anything on the Orioles’ side.

Update: I was right that it’s a little early to ask about Sherrill, but one text exchange tonight led me to believe that the club will probably pass. That’s not final, however, and I’ll check again tomorrow. Sherrill’s contract and poor performance, and the fact that we’re past the halfway point in the season, look like a bad mix.