Rafael Soriano: New Yankees Setup Man

Rafael Soriano was one of the most dominating closers in baseball last year. On Thursday, he signed a deal with the New York Yankees to become the Yankees setup man in front of closer Mariano Rivera. Soriano’s deal is reportedly worth approximately $35 million over three seasons.

Last year with the Tampa Bay Rays, Soriano was 3-2 with 45 saves and only three blown saves. His 1.73 ERA was impressive, while his 0.80 WHIP was even more impressive. In 2009, Soriano spent a lot of time as the closer for the Atlanta Braves.

With the Yankees, Soriano will be aiming for holds. In 2006, he had 18 holds for the Seattle Mariners. He sent his career high with the Braves in 2007 with 19 holds.

The native of the Dominican Republic now becomes the most likely heir apparent to Mariano Rivera. This offseason, the 41-year-old Yankees closer signed a two-year contract. After those two years are up, and if Soriano is still a dominant pitcher, Rivera could retire and hand over the job of Yankees closer to Rivera.

Rafael Soriano has signed with the New York Yankees (Image: TSN.ca)