Soriano, Rafael

- Relief Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays

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Baseball Player Info

AL
Age	31
Bats or Throws	Right

Editor review

The "other" Soriano

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Reviewed by buck
February 25, 2010
Top 10 Reviewer

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Two words are the key with Soriano: "If healthy." There is no doubting his closer's stuff, and he should rack up plenty of saves as the Rays' ninth-inning man -- as long as he can stay on the field. While it wouldn't surprise us to see Soriano spend some time on the DL, we're willing to bet that he remains healthy enough to be a useful fantasy reliever this year. 5-30-2.85-1.15-80 in 65 IP

Positives / Upside	Soriano flashed some dominant stuff in 2009, saving 27 games in 31 chances for Atlanta, while holding opposing batters to a BA of .194. His trade to Tampa Bay and subsequent $7.25 million contract guarantees him a stranglehold on the closer job for at least the foreseeable future. The Rays typically generate plenty of closing chances, as their relievers combined for 63 save opportunities in '09. Soriano could be the missing piece in a bullpen that blew an unacceptable 22 save chances in 2009, and his wicked stuff could produce some very strong numbers in '10. 5-35-2.65-1.10-95 in 80 IP
Negatives / Downside	Soriano has battled shoulder and elbow problems his entire career and missed a big chunk of the 2008 season due to an elbow problem that eventually required surgery. While he has been very effective when healthy, his inability to consistently stay on the field should make a potential fantasy owner very leery indeed. 3-15-3.40-1.20-45 in 55 IP.
Recommendation	Buy at cost
Draft Position	135