2010 Closer Profile: Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays
Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Projections: 46-4-3.21-1.02-115 (SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K)
Average Draft Position: 155th pick
Recommended Draft Round: 8
Team Saves Projection: 60
Injury Risk/Stability: 8/8
Top 50 Rank: #4
Soriano has one of the best K/9 rates among closers and he has been added to a team that will see plenty of save opportunities and has a manager that won't be afraid to use him as often as needed. For owners, Soriano's only question mark is his consistency. He is still developing and his consistency should thrive and develop in 2010.
As far as his new team goes, the Rays will be in allot of tight games and have a knack for comebacks. That will bode well for their new closer, who should see plenty of action and over power aggressive American League hitters. There are only a handful of closer who will get more than 100 strikeouts in a season or get 40+ saves. Mark down Soriano for both of them.
The True Guru Draft Strategy: Right now Soriano is being drafted in the late 13th round. That should change as we get near the end of spring training. He's obviously a steal at that point, but drafting him as early as the eighth round is a smart and effective move. Let the draft dictate where you take Soriano.
Labels: Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays
