MLB Trade Rumors: Rafael Soriano To The Yankees

by Ray Guilfoyle on Jan 13, 2011 9:36 PM EST

From now on, do not believe a word out of Brian Cashman's mouth. After stating that Jesus Montero would be his starting catcher in 2011, he went out and gave an injured Russell Martin $4 million. A few days ago, he said he would not give up a 1st round pick in the Rule 4 draft, and tonight, went out and signed reliever Rafael Soriano to a 3 year, $35 million deal.

He is paying his setup man closer money. Soriano has the option to opt out of his contract in each of the first two years according to SI.com's Jon Heyman. Why would he opt out when he is getting paid like a starting pitcher to set up Mariano Rivera?

This move is an act of desperation by Cashman, especially after the news yesterday that Andy Pettitte will not be ready for the start of the season, and may officially retire for all we know. This might be a line in the sand by Cashman telling Pettitte that he is moving on, and won't budge on whatever contract offer he has made to Pettitte. Why didn't Cashman attempt to deal for Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton instead? I am sure Ned Colletti would have listened. Broxton is only making $7 million this year, the last year of his contract.

I don't know why agent Scott Boras doesn't have most of MLB players as his clients. He ALWAYS gets top dollar for his clients. Always.

Back to Soriano, his fantasy value just plummeted, but what does he care? He got a bigger contract than Dodgers starter Ted Lilly, who got 3 years, $33 million from the Dodgers back in November. I can see articles from Keith Law to Dave Cameron bashing this deal.

And who can blame them.

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Lol CASH-man

by totheights on Jan 13, 2011 9:41 PM EST reply actions

No big surprise here

I don’t think anyone believed Cashman’s line that they would only lose a 1st rounder for CLee. If you can’t bolster your rotation, improving the back end is the next best thing, especially if you have the money to spend. I do find the contract itself surprising. First, I thought he would get closer to $10M/year. Second, the two opt outs. I think it’s conceivable that he could opt out. Specifically, if he has a strong ’11 campaign and there is a bigger market for closers next off season, I could see him signing the same type of deal (3/$35M) to be a closer rather than the setup man to the best closer in baseball history.

by mg050369 on Jan 14, 2011 8:36 AM EST reply actions

Question

In a league that uses holds as a category, where does Soriano rank among set-up and middle relievers?

"What happened yesterday is history. What happens tomorrow is a mystery. What we do today makes a difference - the precious present moment."- Nick Saban

by Richie Grogan on Jan 14, 2011 9:05 AM EST reply actions

probably at the top

he should be drafted with the top closer IMO if there are holds because he will get K’s and good ratios easy to think he could get 40+ holds and maybe a few saves as well when Mo needs a break

"Wait ur a girl?" -YanksVikes ignorance about The Melkman

by YanksVikes on Jan 14, 2011 4:18 PM EST up reply actions

Soriano value? I would think his stuff is as good as any set up pitcher in MLB. But he may be effected by a downgrade defensively with the Yankees vs. the Rays. Soriano would be coming into games in winning situations. So he could, for instance, have a few misplayed balls cause him to get yanked in favor of Mariano. I would definitely pay higher for Soriano though- he’s always just a call away from closing plus he will probably put up great numbers. I’m just not sure the defense behind him will allow him to put up the same numbers he had in TB. I think we are looking at Atlanta numbers for Soriano in 2011 which are still very good.

by acr on Jan 14, 2011 10:51 AM EST reply actions