By Marc Carig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, February 24, 2008

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 23 -- George Sherrill, the front-runner to take over as the Baltimore Orioles' closer this season, sat out Saturday's practice to receive treatment on an ailing hamstring.

Orioles Manager Dave Trembley listed Sherrill as day-to-day with a mild hamstring strain, though Sherrill expects to be ready for a scheduled outing in Wednesday's Grapefruit League opener against the Florida Marlins.

Sherrill said he felt his right hamstring tighten up while covering first base during a fielding drill Friday, likening the pain to a cramp. The hard-throwing left-hander also might have to miss a scheduled bullpen session Monday.

"Thursday is the most important, and I'm pretty sure they're not too worried about the next few days -- just make sure I get it completely healthy and don't do anything stupid and try and come back too quick and hurt it worse," Sherrill said. "Missing a week to be here for the season is the most important thing."

Sherrill, 30, served primarily as a left-handed setup man with the Mariners last season. After landing in Baltimore this offseason via the Erik Bedard trade, Sherrill has been tabbed as the leading candidate to take over as the closer while Chris Ray rehabs from ligament-replacement surgery.

Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail said he expects all to be quiet on the Brian Roberts trade front until teams are well into their spring training game schedules. MacPhail has said Roberts has drawn interest from several clubs. Multiple reports have said the Chicago Cubs have shown particular interest.

"At this stage, it's the natural inclination of clubs to bear down on the different names and see them in person to see how things may have changed between last year and this spring," MacPhail said. . . .

Rookie catcher Matt Wieters, the team's 21-year-old top pick in the 2007 draft, continues to impress.

"He's not going to be in the minor leagues very long from what I see," Trembley said.