In an effort to strengthen their bullpen (and by extension, protect their beleaguered starting pitching rotation), the Yankees have agreed to sign free agent pitcher Rafael Soriano to a three-year, $35 million contract. Soriano, the 9 year, right-handed veteran is coming off a phenomenal season with the Tampa Bay Rays. Soriano served as the team's closer, and delivered lusty numbers for the Yank's divisional rival: an American League leading 45 saves, a 1.73 ERA, an .802 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings pitched. The 2010 All-Star will become the Yankees eighth-inning setup man, and will replace Kerry Wood as the bridge to Mariano Rivera. By signing Soriano the Yanks have potentially killed two birds with one stone: they found both a phenomenal setup man and a suitable successor (as a closer) to the great Mariano.
This seemingly ideal trade was not without controversy, however. Yankee General-Manager Brian Cashman stated that he was unwilling to give up a first-round draft pick to sign Soriano (due to Soriano's Type A free agent status). Nor was Cashman particularly thrilled about handing a relief pitcher a $10 million salary for the 2011 season. Cashman also cited Soriano's attitude as a possible detriment to the team, as Soriano has had problems with other clubhouses in the past. Despite Cashman's protests, the heads of the Yankee organization, including owners Hal and Hank Steinbrenner and Team President Randy Levine, all pushed for Soriano's signing.
I have several takes on this signing. First, it was of extreme importance for the Yankees to sign a reliable pitcher this off-season. The starting rotation will be significantly weaker than last year's rotation if Andy Pettitte opts to retire. With Pettitte gone, the rotation must rely on mercurial A.J. Burnett, rookie Ivan Nova, and journeyman Sergio Mitre to complement C.C. Sabathia and Phil Hughes: a tall order, indeed. Therefore, the addition of another reliable reliever to strengthen the Yankees already capable bullpen is a tremendous move. Manager Joe Girardi has essentially two great closers at his disposal. With Soriano and Mariano the Great handling the eighth and ninth innings, and Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson, and lefty-specialists Boone Logan and Pedro Feliciano handling the seventh inning or specific match-ups, the Yankees will essentially reduce the game to 6 innings. The bullpen has potential to be as formidable as the 1996 World Champion Yankee bullpen. Anchored by a young Mariano Rivera and All-Star closer John Wetteland, the 1996 Yankees' shutdown bullpen enabled them to win the World Series despite the fact that they had a below average starting rotation. The 2011 Yankees could potentially be the spiritual successors to the '96 champs, and another trip down the Canyon of Heroes becomes far more realistic with the addition of Soriano.
Second, Soriano's past reputation of causing problems in the clubhouse is more than a little unsettling. Bill Madden of the New York Daily News reports that Soriano had a terrible attitude in Tampa last year. Soriano was allegedly "hated by almost everyone on the Rays". Madden also states that Soriano hated being brought in to pitch in non-save situations or for more than one inning. If he continues to behave like this in New York, Soriano could cause major tension in Yankee clubhouse.
Overall, I would give this deal a B/B+. I would have given the signing an A had Soriano been given less money (even for Yankee standards, $35 million, 3 year deals are ridiculous contracts for relief pitchers). Soriano's attitude also detracts from the overall worthiness of the signing. I don't, however, believe this will be a major issue as the Yankees' clubhouse is already well-established and littered with many businesslike veterans. Derek and Jorge and Mariano could easily put Soriano in line if it came down to it. Hopefully, no confrontation will ever happen, and the bullpen will lead the Yankees to another World Championship.
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