Hey guys, Drew back here. Yesterday, the Yankees signed former Tampa Bay Rays closer Rafael Soriano to a 3 year, $35 million dollar deal. While this is good for the Yankees, and I'm very happy to add this All Star closer, it's kinda sad to see. Of course, Mariano Rivera has been one of the, if not the greatest, closer of all time, and he just discovered his replacement when his new contract expires in 2 years. Rivera has saved 559 games for the Yankees since he first came up with the team in 1995, and has been one of the most consistent players to ever take the mound. The signing of Soriano almost means that the end is near for Rivera, one of the most beloved Yankees of all time.
However, Soriano could be a nice replacement. Last year in his best season yet, he was 3-2, with a 1.73 ERA and an American League leading 45 saves for the Rays. He has become one of the top closers in the game, but will now have to settle as a set up man for 2 years, waiting for the Sandman's time to end. He is 31 years old now, so when he does get his chance, he will be coming towards the end of his prime, which could be a problem.
I'm pleased with the pickup I guess; I think it was important to get a Soria or Soriano to bolster the bullpen, which we surely needed. Many expert analysts say that the Yankees now have one of the top ranked bullpens in baseball, which is so great to hear after last year's disaster. I'm also glad that they finally were able to get a nice addition, as this offseason has not been the best we've done by any means.
See Ya!
I love it how only signing one or two top-tier free agents is considered a down offseason for the Yankees. I'm lucky if the Orioles sign one or two a decade.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of signing a 31 year old player, but I'm glad he's on our side!!! Def a nice addition. And if you're the Yankees, age doesn't really much matter as they can go out and sign someone next year or the year after. Three years isn't a crazy contract length either.
ReplyDeleteI know the Pinstripes didn't have any huge signings, but they are still a very good team. A team that won it all just 2 years ago. If they can stay healthy, and maybe a nice mid season trade for King Felix, they should be poised for an excellent season. The youth at the backend of the starting rotation will be very important too (Brackman and Nova).
We'll see how this shakes out, but this has all the makings of Carl Pavano Part II. Soriano's got a wicked injury history. If they're counting on him to replace Mo' over the long haul...I've got some beautiful beach-front property in Idaho they might be interested in as well. There's a reason the Rays got him cheap (and the Braves and Rays both let him go).
ReplyDeleteGood luck. Relievers are always a sketchy signing... We'll see. At least it kind of pushes Joba back some, maybe they'll trade him, finally.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks so much for the plug. I really appreciate it and hope everyone gets a chance to read the interview.
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