Rafael Soriano becomes a Yankee

While he may not be considered a "true Yankee" Just yet, Rafeal Soriano was introduced as the newsest Yankee at today's press conference. Soriano will wear # 29, last worn last season by Francisco Cervelli, so look for Cervelli to have a new number come spring training.  Some early projections about Soriano and his 2011 season can be found at Fan Graphs and although they may have been already predicted prior to him signing as a set up man, they all predicted ERA's lower then 2.63.

When Soriano first signed with the Yanks, I had mixed emotions. I loved the fact that they were getting a closer, that was only going to be a set up man for Mariano. I also liked the fact that it set the Yankees bullpen as the best in the majors. But at the same time the Yanks did have to give up there 1st round choice. Also building a strong bullpen can defiantly help, and since Joe Girardi has become the manager in 2008, managing the bullpen has been one of his bright spots. But it still does not mask the fact that the starting pitching is lacking and the bullpen is not going to solve that. Sure it now makes that Nova, Mitre and possibly even Burnett will have to just throw five decent innings, but if those three are all lined up making starts after one another the bullpen is going to be burnt out quickly.