Rafael Soriano Doesn't Like Easy Money

Why you hatin'?

According to this John Heyman report (Does anyone else find it odd that Heyman always breaks news about Boras clients?), Rafael Soriano is expected to decline his $14 million player option for 2013. Which makes no sense to this humble blogger writing this from the basement of his parents house (at least that's what newspaper writers would like for you to believe).

Scott Boras is renowned for being able to squeeze every last cent from teams pursuing one of his clients. But, it's not as if Raf-Sor is getting any younger. at 33 years old, he probably expects Boras to spin a one year deal into a four year pact with some dopey GM who believes the save stat is as useful as the RBI stat. It's not like he has a Tony Reagins to pray on this offseason.

Regardless of how good Soriano was in 2012 (and yes, he was very good), relievers are so volatile that any long term commitment is more than likely to end in disaster. Especially when they seek the kind of payday that there starter counterparts receive. For example, Jake Peavy just signed a two year $29 million extension with the Chicago White Sox. Peavy threw 219 innings in 2012. Soriano is more than likely seeking a contract with a $15 million AAV, he pitched 67.2 innings last year. Why should Soriano receive more money per season over a longer period when he appears in less than one-third the innings of a top notch starter?

Oh, he only pitches in high leverage situations you say? He appeared in 69 games last season, of those 69 appearances, he got more than three outs only seven times and entered the game with a runner on base only 11 times. Yeah, it's the ninth inning, and he may have a one run lead, but I don't consider bases empty high leverage.

Rafael Soriano is a good pitcher, and has been tabbed as an "elite Closer." And he is, by Closer standards. Some GM is going to pay him $12-$15 million a year for 3-4 years and Soriano will pitch well. But it is fiscally irresponsible to tie up anywhere from $36 to $60 million for an arm that is giving you less than your number five starter who is making the league minimum.

If Boras gets Soriano what he is presumably looking for, I'm going to have my secretary (my mother) get him on the phone for me. I'm sure he can help me cash in on my 63 MPH fastball.