What would we have to give up for Rafael Soriano?

Rumors say the Braves are not thrilled that Soriano accepted arbitration and are not happy to owe 18 million to three relievers next season (Wagner and Saito signed). Since he has accepted arbitration, he can be traded, but he would have to okay the deal.

If you look at his numbers, he's about as dominant a reliever can be with a god-like 102/27 K/BB and in only 75 IP. Career ERA under 3.00, and he saved 27 games last season.

I know Shields is coming back, and Jepsen's future looks bright, but it would be nice to have a shut 'em down bullpen, and clearly, this guy's good. The question is whether Arte would take on his new contract after arbitration, and what the Braves would ask for in return. They have a ton of young pitching, and the infield is solid, minus the right side. They just DFA'd Church, and don't have a RF'r. Would they be interested in Trumbo or Evans or Pettit? Something else?

about 2 years ago feNOMINAL 8 comments 0 recs |

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Granderson!

Seriously, though: if they simply want a cheaper bullpen arm, how about Arredondo? None of those 3 OFs is likely to be an everyday major leaguer.

by jjackflash on Dec 8, 2009 2:00 PM PST reply actions

Matthews and Rivera

for Soriano and Lowe

by Rev Halofan on Dec 8, 2009 2:05 PM PST reply actions

sounds good to me!!!!

Now stuck in Colorado Springs

by stuck in Romania on Dec 8, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions

looks good

but who plays LF? Who DH’s?

Plus, Matthews and Rivers make about as much as Lowe, AND Soriano should command about 8 million in arbitration. So, that leaves us with two offensive holes to fill, and 8 mill less to spend.

If I were the Braves, I’d jump on that deal.

In a slightly unrelated note, I’d trade bad Matthews for bad Lowe. We’d be on the hook for the third year, but Atlanta could move McLouth to RF, and let Jones and Schafer battle for LF. By the third year, Lowe could make an interesting relief option—he does have experience… but still damned expensive…

www.13stoploss.com

by feNOMINAL on Dec 8, 2009 3:56 PM PST up reply actions

Picking Up

the theme here…

Matthews & Arredondo for Lowe & Soriano.

by jjackflash on Dec 8, 2009 4:07 PM PST up reply actions

Just say NO NO NO to SoriaNO!

He has an injury history:

In 2004 Soriano suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow (having pitched only 3.1 innings) and underwent Tommy John surgery in August of that year. He didn’t pitch again until September 2005 and threw 7.1 innings.

In 2008 elbow problems flared up. He had an ulnar nerve transposition and a small bone spur removed from his right elbow during surgery in August of that year. He only pitched 14 innings.

He’s due to get around $8 million in arbitration which is too pricey:

given his injury history
2009 was a career year (accomplished in the softer NL).

The Angels have some very strong arms in their bullpen. 2009 was a down year and there’s a good chance they bounce back in 2010.

Too much money and too much risk for Soriano. His career numbers are nice (3.31 FIP, 9.87 K/9), but not worth the money and player talent the Angels would have to give up.

by Fan Since 1981 on Dec 8, 2009 5:01 PM PST reply actions