Trembley Makes Easy Choice, Tabbing Sherrill as the Closer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 18 -- George Sherrill wasn't the least bit surprised Tuesday morning when Baltimore Orioles Manager Dave Trembley summoned him to his office to tell him he had been named the team's closer. But he sure was happy.

Sherrill, a left-hander acquired from the Seattle Mariners in the Erik Bedard trade this offseason, gave Trembley the only easy decision of the spring. The team's Opening Day starter, starting shortstop, backup catcher and fifth starter slots have befuddled Trembley and his coaching staff, but Sherrill took command of the closer job early and never let go.

Trembley said he proved he could get right-handed as well as left-handed batters out this spring. He proved he could be consistent and effective: He has given up just two runs in six innings.

"He's our best option right now," Trembley said. "He's competitive. He's got finish on his pitches. It doesn't bother him, right- or left-handed hitters."

Sherrill, 30, spent the last four seasons as a setup man in Seattle. Last year he had a 2.36 ERA but got few save opportunities. Before this spring, he had never been the best guy in a bullpen.

"It feels good," Sherrill said. "Any short reliever wants to be the closer, wants to be the go-to guy. . . . Looking back, it's been a long trip but I'm finally here."

Olson Will Start Season in Norfolk

Rookie left-handed pitcher Garrett Olson, considered a candidate for the fifth starter's slot, learned before Tuesday that he had been optioned to minor league camp. He will begin the season at Class AAA Norfolk. Over seven innings in three games, Olson had allowed just three hits and one run with a 1.29 ERA.

Another contender for the fifth starter's position, right-hander Matt Albers, struggled in his first start of the spring, giving up three runs on three hits -- including a two-run homer to catcher Joe Mauer -- in 3 1/3 innings in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to Minnesota. . . . Outfielder Adam Jones, acquired with Sherrill in the Bedard trade, has won the starting center field job, Trembley said. Though he went 0 for 3 Tuesday, he is hitting .344. The shortstop position, however, remains wide open, with Luis Hern¿ndez and Brandon Fahey battling for the job.