Rafael SoriaNo

When it comes to bad ideas, the idea of the Yankees signing Rafael Soriano should be near the top of the list. There is literally no justification in the Yankees signing Rafael Soriano to a multi-year deal worth well over $10 million dollars, all while losing a 1st Round Draft Pick.

Brian Cashman has literally come out and insist that the Yankees will not surrender their 1st Round Pick, but still, various sources are saying that the Yankees are still talking to Soriano and his agent.

Firstly, what incentive does Soriano have to come to New York? If I am Soriano, I am commanded at least $7 million/year, for at least 3-years, to close. The Yankees would only offer him a set-up spot, and the closer role is taken by Rivera for at least two more years. If the Yankees gave him his money, that would be $26 million dollars spent on the 2011 payroll on three relievers; that is not the big issue - teams have spent money on relievers before, it's just that Soriano is not the guy that the Yankees should be investing this money in.

One of these reasons is Soriano's injury history. He missed most of 2004 and 2005 due to Tommy John Surgery, and a majority of 2008 with another elbow surgery. That's a warning sign right there. Soriano has yet to go through his nine-year getting through 2+ years of relief work without having to miss a year with elbow surgery.

Another reason - the history of signing relief pitchers. Obviously Soriano is a different player than the others signed in recent years, but odds are not in his favor based on the success of past deals with relievers.

Finally, the 1st Round Pick. Various minor league experts have stated that this will be one of the deepest drafts in a long time. The Yankees should do what they can to take advantage of their financial advantage here. As of now they will have all of their draft picks, in addition to the supplemental pick after the first round for losing Javy Vazquez. In addition to their obvious financial advantage when it comes to the draft, they have a payroll $20-$30 million dollar lower than in 2010 - money which they can just invest into the draft to really take advantage of one of the best classes in a while.

And really, I think the Yankees' relief corps will be just fine. They still have the greatest closer in Major League history who is still showing no signs of decline, and a combination of David Robertson, Boone Logan, Pedro Feliciano, and Joba Chamberlain, along with guys that seem like they could be useful in Romulo Sanchez. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if they threw a guy like Brackman into the bullpen temporarily if need-be.

Say No to Soriano.