Rafael Soriano - Fantasy News & Updates
Rafael Soriano - Fantasy News & Updates
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Gonzalez and Soriano, who will draw attention from a number of clubs seeking a closer, are Type A free agents. It now appears the Braves may be comfortable offering arbitration to both of these veteran relievers. By doing so, they would put themselves in position to gain the draft-pick compensation that would come if they were to sign elsewhere.
If the Red Sox didn't already have one the game's top bullpens, adding Soriano or Gonzalez would go a long way toward thrusting them ahead of the pack. From a fantasy perspective, however, both pitchers would take a major hit going to Boston, where they'd see few, if any, save opportunities setting up Jonathan Papelbon.
Soriano began 2009 as the Braves' primary setup man, but he took over the closer job on a full-time basis by July and finished the year in that role. A free agent, Soriano will undoubtedly be looking to sign with a team that gives him another chance to close. The right-hander's dominant 12.13 K/9 rate from this past season certainly works in his favor, though teams may be a little hesistant to take the plunge due to his checkered injury history.
Soriano hasn't permitted a runner to cross home plate in his past four outings, covering 3 1/3 frames, since giving up four earned runs on Sept. 19. He still has an outside shot to reach 30 saves in what has been a career year for the 29-year-old.
Soriano stepped in for his 24th save after Mike Gonzalez -- who would pick up the victory after the Braves scored twice in the top of the ninth -- gave up a pair of runs in the eighth. Soriano has run into quite a bit of trouble in September, having given up runs in three of his seven appearances and the fact that he's tossed 50 more innings than he did last season could be a reason why he's faltered down the stretch. It's a situation that bears watching over these next few weeks.
After allowing six hits and three earned runs in his last 1 1/3 innings and blowing a save on Sept. 8, Soriano got things back on track nicely in this outing. He's now 23-for-27 in save situations, and has now struck out an eye-popping 87 batters over 65 1/3 innings, or roughly 12 K/9.
This was the first save since June 28 for Gonzalez, who was called on one night after Rafael Soriano suffered his fourth blown save by yielding two earned runs in one-third of an inning. Soriano's recent struggles could allow Gonzalez to step in temporarily as Braves closer, a well-deserved opportunity after a season in which he's notched a 2.42 ERA and an 82/29 K/BB ratio over 67 innings.
A shaky night on the hill for Soriano, who luckily had some wiggle room after entering with a 2-0 lead. While he’s cashed in each of his last six save chances, he’s give up a run in three of his last five appearances and has seen his ERA rise to a season-high 2.53.
Soriano began the year as the setup man for Mike Gonzalez, but his consistently dominating pitching resulted in him taking over the stopper role full-time starting in early-July. He’s looked a bit shaky of late, allowing runs in each of his last two appearances. Still, he's earned enough leeway to continue closing games for the remainder of the season.
Soriano has largely reverted back to his usual, dominating self after getting tagged for three runs in a loss to the Dodgers on Aug. 6. Over his last four outings, Soriano has locked down both of his save opportunities without allowing a run or more than one runner to reach base.
Because of the fact that he shared duties with Mike Gonzalez earlier in the year and has been hobbled by injuries somewhat of late, Soriano's breakout season has flown under the radar somewhat. But by the numbers, he has been as good as just about any closer out there all season long. Soriano owns a sparking 0.95 WHIP, is 19-for-22 in save opportunities and has struck out a jaw-dropping 75 batters in 56 innings.
Perhaps this explains Soriano's two recent rough outings, in which he gave up an earned run in each. The Braves wouldn't say whether Soriano is available Saturday, but the closer said he hopes to be ready to go Sunday. Mike Gonzalez could pick up a few vulture saves as Soriano works out the kinks in his shoulder.
Owners can only hope to receive a similar number of saves in August as Soriano attained in July, when he closed nine of 10 save opportunities. After whiffing the side on July 30, Soriano notched his 66th strikeout Saturday. He's pitched just 49 innings, so his 12.1 K/9 rate is a superior mark for the reliever who struggled through an injury-prone campaign in 2008.
The rest was enough to allow Gonzalez's left elbow to feel fresh again and ready to go. "The arm was overused," Gonzalez said. Gonzalez has made 45 appearances this season, compared to just 36 appearances at the All-Star break in 2006, his last full season of work. Coupled with his return last June from '07 Tommy John surgery, and the heavy workload took its toll on the 31-year-old. "As professionals, we know that sometimes we have to ask for a day off. I never did that." Gonzalez has been sharing save opportunities with Rafael Soriano.
What started out as a full-time closer job for Gonzalez has evolved into a two-headed committee with Soriano pulling ahead as the No. 1 option. Staying healthy has been an issue for Soriano in years past, but if he could take over for good if he can dodge the 15-day DL. Both pitchers have been among the NL's top relievers.
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