What pitcher won't play for the Yankees? Oh yeah, Cliff Lee. I'm sorry but I just had to throw some salt into the wound of the Phillies signing Cliff Lee. But Rafael Soriano has signed with the Yankees as of this afternoon. This would be a $35 million, 3-year deal. The deal breaks down as: $10 million in the first year of his pact, with an additional $1.5 million if he opts out of the deal, $11 million in the second year, with an opt-out option of $1.5 million, and $14 million in 2013. But why would Soriano want to opt out of this deal? He is the set-up man for an aging Mariano Rivera, and if he pitches well, may some day hold the spot as the Yankees' closer. The Yankees bullpen is strong enough without Soriano, including aces such as Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson. The theoretical question is, who now has a bullpen comparable to the Yankees' bullpen. "Soriano was widely considered the best available talent remaining on the Hot Stove market," a statement that is very true. His ERA stands at a mere 1.73 and lead the American League in saves with 45. For other American League East teams, the chances of comeback wins are slowly diminishing. The Tampa Bay Rays appear to be disbanding their entire pitching organization with this trade, and Matt Garza going to the Chicago Cubs. Lets see how the trade plays out for the Yanks, but it will probably work out for the better.
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