New York Yankees: Adios Soriano - Lady Loves Pinstripes New York Yankees: Adios Soriano - Lady Loves Pinstripes New York Yankees: Adios Soriano - Lady Loves Pinstripes
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New York Yankees: Adios Soriano

Posted by  on 16 January 2013, 3:45 am

Ah… another day in Yankees Universe, as more disappointing news just keeps on coming.

Rafael Soriano

Rafael Soriano (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As the Washington Nationals just cemented themselves as the favorites to win the 2013 World Series, and the reason is the new addition of now ex-Yankees closer Rafael Soriano to their bullpen.

The Washington Post reports that Soriano will be pocketing $28 million over the next two-seasons with a vesting option for a third. And let me tell you Soriano will earn every penny, as the guy is that good and will be a difference maker down in DC.

Soriano will join current closer Drew Storen, and 2011 all-star reliever Tyler Clippard, who saved 32-games last year, in the Nationals bullpen.

The Nationals were clearly not happy with their quick departure from the 2012 NLDS, thanks to the bullpen having a meltdown. So by adding Soriano, the Nationals ownership is sending a clear-cut message that they want to win now. And trust me when I say having Soriano will pay in dividends, as he is a winner and could be the icing on cake to get the franchise its first World Series championship.

And I can safely speak for most Yankee fans when I say that without Soriano’s consistency, fearlessness and dominance in 2012, the Yankees would not have survived at all.

Soriano made 42 saves in 46 attempts in Mo’s absence, posting a 2.26 ERA, with 69 strikeouts over 67.2 innings pitched. He has held opposing batters to a .217 batting average, and allowed just six homers all season—in very hitting friendly Yankee Stadium. And keep in mind that Soriano closed his first game in New York on May 10th.

The bottom line is that I can guarantee you the Yankees will be sorry they let Soriano walk, as replacing Mo at the end of the season, or God forbid during it, is not going to be an easy chore. Soriano made the transition in the biggest spotlight, under immeasurable pressure without a hitch. And in the words of Washington Post reporter Thomas Boswell this proves to Nationals fans that they are all in, which translates to me that the Yankees are not.

I wish Soriano all the best down the Washington, DC, and will miss watching him in the Bronx.

Now all I can say to Nationals fans is get ready to UNTUCK.

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2 Comments

  1. Kurt Smith says:
    01/16/2013 at 3:48 pm

    Wow…that's not good for the Yankees. Rivera seems ageless, but many players do and they all eventually falter. Starting to think we could see a Nationals Blue Jays series, although both teams in LA look pretty darn good too.

  2. dcone says:
    01/30/2013 at 8:03 am

    Commenting a little late on this article, but I wanted to make a point. Soriano was the Yankees' MVP last year. Arguably, they would not have been where they were without him stepping up. That being said, when you can get out from under a $13 million contract for a set-up man, it's not a bad thing. The Yanks have Robertson and Aardsma who will slot in well in the 8th. With Rivera coming back , it was inevitable that Soriano would opt out–why would he stay here in his walk year and set up? It would have given him no value on the market next off-season and there was no guarantee the Yanks would have kept him around. With Robertson here, with Aardsma auditioning for a new contract and with Mike Montgomery waiting in the minors, there is no room for Soriano here now or later. Besides— a draft pick is always a good thing–especially when you have 3 of the first 35 this year…