George Sherrill

Sherrill took a huge step back in 2010, posting a 6.69 ERA in 36.1 innings for the Dodgers, a mark that resulted in his being non-tendered following the season. Sherrill, though, was again dominant versus left-handed hitters, allowing southpaws to bat just .192/.286/.288 against him. That line got Sherrill a one-year $1.2 million deal from the Braves, for whom he'll presumably work as a left-handed specialist if he's unable to regain his pre-2010 form.

Sherrill had the best season of his career, notching 21 saves with a 1.70 ERA and 61:24 K:BB in 69 innings. He was even better for the Dodgers after coming over in July, allowing just two earned runs in 27.2 innings setting up Jonathan Broxton. Sherrill earned $2.75 million in 2009 and is eligible for a raise through arbitration, so it's possible he could be traded prior to the start of the season. He could wind up closing again if he's traded to the right team.

With Chris Ray recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2008, Sherrill was given the closer's job after being brought over from Seattle in the Erik Bedard deal. Sherrill did not disappoint in the season's first two months, notching 17 saves through May. But Sherrill saw his ERA go from 3.09 on June 28 to 4.72 by season's end while missing a month with shoulder problems. His walked rate rose significantly (33 in 53.1 innings), which in turn caused his WHIP to hit 1.50. Chris Ray should be ready for spring training, and the two will likely compete for the closer's job.

After allowing three homers in two seasons, Sherrill gave up four home runs last season. That's about the only negative one can pin on Sherrill, however, as he posted career-lows in ERA (2.36), WHIP (0.985) and BAA (.179). Sherrill was again death on left-handed hitters. In 90 at-bats against southpaws, Sherrill struck out 40 and allowed 10 walks and 14 hits. While the Mariners unwisely treat him as a LOOGY, Sherrill is nearly as dominant against righties. In 66 at-bats against right-handers, Sherrill allowed a .212 AVG and .276 OBP, proving capable of handling the eighth-inning set-up duties from both sides of the mound. Overall, among relievers with more than 60 inherited runners, Sherrill allowed the lowest percentage of inherited runners to score, 22.5 percent (16-of-71), in the majors. If J.J. Putz goes down, Sherrill, who had 23 holds, likely would pick up the closer duties.

Sherrill's overall stats look pretty pedestrian, but he absolutely dominated left-handed batters last season as the lefty set-up man. Against left-handers, he struck out 29, walked eight unintentionally and allowed only 11 hits in 24 innings for a .083 WHIP. His .143 opponent's average against southpaws was the second-lowest among relievers with at least 35 appearances. Sherrill did a great job of keeping the ball in the park, as well, as he was the only reliever with at least 30 innings pitched to not allow a home run. In 40 innings over 72 appearances, Sherrill stranded 76.3 percent (45-of-59) of his inherited runners and totaled 17 holds. He'll return to the same role this season and with Rafael Soriano out of the picture, Sherrill likely would close should anything happen to J.J. Putz.

After pitching himself out of a job in spring training, Sherrill impressed in a midseason call-up, stranding 25 of 28 inherited runners. Sherrill struck out 24 in 19 innings and walked just seven (two intentional). He took over the lefty set-up job when Ron Villone was traded and that's likely where he'll find himself this season.

Sherrill's 2004 ended early with arm fatigue. While he didn't overwhelm during his Seattle stint, he likely earned a spot in the 2005 bullpen as a lefty set-up man. He could close, if needed, which would increase his fantasy value.

Sherrill is a left-hander signed out of the Independent League. In Double-A last year, he pitched 27 1/3 innings in relief - and allowed one run. Sherrill throws a slider, fastball and change. The Mariners need left-handed relievers, so with a good spring, he could make the club.