After weeks of speculation, Erik Bedard is finally heading to the Seattle Mariners. In exchange the Orioles receive super outfield prospect Adam Jones, reliever George Sherrill and three minor leaguers - Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.
This is a solid haul for the Orioles as they add a top outfield prospect (Orioles have a serious shortage of good positional players in their organization), a potential closer and some good minor leaguers to continue the process of replenishing a relatively dry farm system which began with the Tejada trade. Given the combination of major league-ready talent and good prospects obtained by the Orioles, I would venture to say this package is as good if not better than what the Twins and A's received for Johan Santana and Dan Haren respectively.
FANTASY IMPACT
We were all over this trade as soon as the rumors started swirling earlier in the month. For the fantasy impact of Erik Bedard's move to Seattle check out our earlier post for the most comprehensive analysis.
The other two fantasy-relevant players in this trade are Adam Jones and George Sherrill. Jones should start right away in centerfield for the Orioles and will get plenty of at-bats in hitter friendly Camden Yards. He put up excellent power numbers in AAA in 2007, posting 25 homeruns and 84 RBIs and has good fantasy potential getting regular playing time in Baltimore. FSE has more coming on Adam Jones later in the day.
With Chris Ray set to miss the 2008 season, Sherrill has an excellent chance to open the season as the closer in Baltimore, giving him a decent amount of fantasy value. Sherrill posted some excellent numbers last year, first as a situational lefty then later in the year as a set up man. He had 22 holds and vultured 3 saves to go along with a 2.35 ERA and sub 1.00 WHIP (0.985). These are types of number that can help fantasy owners across the board so keep an eye on the Orioles bullpen situation this spring.
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