Two Possible Bullpen Arms

ESPN Insider is reporting the Dodgers have taken a look at southpaw closer George Sherrill of the Baltimore Orioles, and Jason Frasor of the Toronto Blue Jays in attempts to bolster their already impressive bullpen. Sounds like it's time to compare and contrast.

George Sherrill, $2.75 million salary
37.1 IP, 0-1, 2.41 ERA, 1.098 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, 190 ERA+
Those are pretty impressive numbers; however, as usual, they don't tell the entire story of George Sherrill. Further inspection of his career stats indicates OJ Simpson's "I didn't do it" story was more consistent than the career of George Sherrill. Over the course of six seasons (all stats starting in 2004) he's seen his ERA rise and fall ( 3.80, 5.21, 4.28, 2.36, 4.72, 2.41), his WHIP sink and soar (1.394, 1.053, 1.425, .9850, 1.500, 1.098), and his K/BB ratio charted all over the map (1.78, 3.43, 1.56, 3.29, 1.76, 2.83).

Jason Frasor, $1.45 million salary
33.0 IP, 5-2, 2.45 ERA, 1.061 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 176 ERA+
Frasor has been more consistent year-to-year, though not quite as good as Sherrill. He is, however, currently boasting career best numbers in several categories including WHIP, ERA, BB/9, H/9, and HR/9. In close, late inning situations you definitely want a pitcher on the mound who's not prone to giving up either walks or the long ball. His almost 8.0 K/9 ratio is impressive as well, showing he can put away hitters with his arm alone.

Both pitchers are pitching extremely well this year though George Sherrill has shown he's capable of putting up All-Star numbers more than just once, as Jason Frasor is only doing this year. To the contrary, the back end of the bullpen is all about "stuff" and Frasor boasts the better fastball, the better slider, and a bigger repertoire of pitches. Either way it appears both arms would improve the Dodgers bullpen. I'm calling this one a draw.