Why New York Yankees Should Keep Rafael Soriano as Their Closer
June 1, 2012 · Michael Moraitis · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
There might have been speculation as to what the New York Yankees would do once David Robertson returns, but it appears Rafael Soriano has the closer role wrapped up for the time being, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
The Yankees intend to keep Rafael Soriano as the closer even after David Robertson’s return from the disabled list, people familiar with their thinking suggest.
Soriano has been nearly lights-out since taking over for Robertson, who took over for Mariano Rivera, after the greatest closer in the history of the sport went down to a season-ending injury.
There seemed to be a rush to crown Robertson the successor to Rivera after the injury, but it simply wasn’t necessary.
Had Rivera been forced to retire as a result, I could understand the promotion of Robertson to closer for this season and beyond. However, Rivera has already stated he plans on returning for 2013.
Therefore, Robertson will be sent back to the setup role next season anyway. Crowning him the Yanks’ closer of the future now is pretty much pointless.
Besides, the Bombers are paying Soriano a boatload of money to be their seventh-inning guy, and the fact that he might actually have the chance to earn his paycheck is too good for the Yanks to pass up.
A successful season from Soriano could pay dividends down the road for New York.
If Sori can pitch well the rest of the season, the Yanks could look to move him in the offseason for whatever they desire, considering there is always a need for closers in this league. Granted, the Bombers will have to pick up some of the $13 million owed to Sori next season, but it’s better than nothing.
No matter how you slice it, it makes all the sense in the world to keep Sori where he has been most successful: Closer.
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