New York Yankees: Joakim Soria ‘Interested’ in Setting Up for Mariano Rivera
November 5, 2012 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The Yankees lost their initial setup man in Rafael Soriano as a free agent this winter.
They might be able to find his replacement in another closer for a lot less money.
Dan Martin of the New York Post reported that Joakim Soria would be “all ears” if the Yankees called and were interested in the Royals closer to set up for Mariano Rivera.
“If there is a fit, Joakim would be elated to work with Mo. He would close everywhere except there,” said Oscar Suarez, Soria’s agent.
Soria missed the entire 2012 season after he needed Tommy John Surgery, and according to Suarez, Soria wouldn’t be ready to pitch in 2013 until right around May.
With the Royals, Soria had 160 saves with a 2.40 ERA in five seasons and was a two-time American League All-Star and was primed to get a big-time contract before he got hurt this past year.
The biggest factor in this is with Rivera already announcing that he will in fact return to the Yankees in 2013, it draws Soria in, who apparently would love to pitch alongside his idol.
Soria made $6 million last season with Kansas City. As a setup man who is coming off a major injury and surgery, he may make even less, but it’s looking like Soria is looking for the right situation.
If the Yankees can add Soria as the setup man to go along with David Robertson and David Aardsma in the back of the bullpen, then the Yankees would be adding a quality reliever who is looking to re-establish himself.
And if the Yankees really like what they see from Soria, they could make him the heir to Rivera as the next closer.
The situation seems right, and if the Yankees and Soria can match up on a contract, then this looks like a perfect fit.
The question now remains: Does Soria come to the Bronx?
Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.
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