Friday, January 14, 2011
$35 Million for a Setup Guy!
Okay, I'm sorry, but this was pretty stupid. If you haven't heard, the Yankees have signed former closer and soon to be setup man Rafael Soriano to a 3 year $35 million contract. The Lohud blog has a really good break down of the deal and the impact here. The way the contract works is that he's signed for 3 years, but can opt out after the first or second year. He will make $10 million in 2011, $11 million in 2012, and $14 million in 2013, but if he opts out, the Yankees will pay him an additional $1.5 million as part of the opt out. In addition to this ridiculous amount of money, the Yankees lose a draft pick. What does Scott Boras have on Cashman? This deal makes zero sense. In a year where our rotation is short two starting pitchers, we go ahead and sign a bunch of relievers. Here's the problem, a set up man only makes sense if we're handing him a lead in the 8th inning. What is the likelihood that that will be happening the nights Burnett, Mitre or Nova are taking the mound? Here's a thought, how about taking that money and taking a risk on some starters. I would prefer to see the Yankees sign Justin Duchscherer then to throw away money on this guy. Save the draft pick, and save the money. Cashman just said he wasn't going to give up a draft pick for a reliever. None of this makes sense. If we don't pull off a trade for a frontline starter, this is going to be a rough year. We may end up seeing Soriano pitching in blowout games just so he can get his innings in. I like Soriano, but not at this price. Just to recap our off season exploits: we've resigned our closer to a 2 year $30 million deal, and then took a $35 million insurance policy on him with Soriano. Some will say, its not your money, why do you care? Its not my money, but it is my team, and this waste of money doesn't help us. If it was $35 million for a starter it would be one thing, but we're paying $35 million for someone to pitch one inning. Cashman's lost it!
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5 comments:
I thought the Yankees learned their lesson with Farnsworth. Then I thought they got a refresher course with Marte. I guess they were never really paying attention. This is a stupid deal, confirmed by the fact that the Post thinks it's brilliant.
Apparently the deal was ownership imposed. Not sure how I feel about that. Still, way too much for a position you can easily upgrade mid season for far less money.
For Cashman to have lost it suggests he ever had it. He does not understand baseball, never has, never will.
I have to agree with the Farnsworth, and Marte take. I was thinking the same thing, and not only did they not learn their lesson, all they did is go bigger and dumber with the contract.
Some reports are saying this is an ownership deal, and that Cashman's baseball autonomy may be eroding. For his sake I hope this is true. Otherwise, he just made a really stupid decision and only has himself to credit for it. Ownership making a stupid decision is pretty standard. A-Rod's new contract is proof of that.
Good analysis guys:)
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