Going from Good To Great: Why the Yankees Need To Sign Rafael Soriano
December 29, 2010 · Kate Conroy · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
I have mentioned this a few times already, but he is worth the attention again.
Rafael Soriano is still a free agent, available and on the market. Whatever it is shocking considering he was the AL’s dominate closer in 2010 with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Even before Cliff Lee’s decision, Soriano as a player would have been more than enough for the New York Yankees to walk away with heads high.
Soriano was the best closer in the AL in 2010, leading the league with 45 saves, posting a 1.73 ERA, striking out 57 in just shy of 63 innings. Soriano was named to the 2010 All-Star team, won the 2010 AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, finished eighth in CY Young and 12th in MVP voting respectively.
Soriano will cost his new team two-draft picks as he falls into the Type A free agent category.
Yes, he will not come cheap especially considering his agent is Scott Boras, but it would be money well spent.
Boras makes any team pay no matter what, but the greediest agent has some tainted history with the Yankees, which might drive the price up some.
Look it is no secret the Bombers are a tad desperate, whether GM Brian Cashman and the little Steinbrenner’s care to admit it, fans know it, the players know it and Boras knows it.
Soriano’s role would change, as he would set-up to the great Rivera. Soriano was in the bullpen for the majority of his early pro-years.
He just turned 31 years old, and giving a pitcher of Soriano’s stature three years with a fourth year option is not a bad idea.
Soriano is in his prime and would make Mo’s departure at least less stressful, as it will already be beyond sad and something I can’t even think about (tears).
Look, Soriano will make the New York Yankees better and isn’t that the point?
Cashman and co. better make sure our rival Red Sox’s or player favorite Phillies don’t acquire Soriano or get ready for some big trouble in the Bronx.
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