Joe Girardi left open the possibility that Rafael Soriano could remain the team’s closer even after David Robertson gets back.
The manager said on Wednesday he’s “comfortable” bringing in the right-hander to finish games and it’s clear to Soriano’s teammates that he feels he belongs there in Mariano Rivera’s absence.
“I think you feel a little extra intensity coming from him since he’s taken over,” said Russell Martin, who caught each of Soriano’s last two saves. “That’s the only thing I see. There’s more conviction. He’s comfortable and confident in that role. It’s good for the team and I’m sure it’s good for him.”
Getty Images
SAVING GRACE: Manager Joe Girardi has left open the possibility of Rafael Soriano (above) remaining the Yankees’ closer after David Robertson returns from the disabled list.
Soriano figures to get tested on the Yankees’ upcoming road trip, which begins tonight in Oakland. In a small sample size, the former Rays closer has done well in a similar role in The Bronx.
Since Robertson gave up four runs to the Rays on May 9 — which was just his second save opportunity after Rivera got hurt — Soriano has picked up three saves in four appearances.
In those four games, Soriano has given up one run in 3 1/3 innings, while striking out two and walking none. He’s also held opponents to a .214 batting average.
And while Soriano had been better even prior to that than his disastrous 2011 season, he has improved even more lately, since in his first 12 games this year, although he struck out a dozen hitters, he also issued eight walks and allowed a .271 batting average (and .375 OBP).
The increased effectiveness hasn’t been a surprise to many.
“His record speaks for itself,” Curtis Granderson said. “He’s shown he had to the ability to do it in the past and he’s done it. He just hasn’t had a chance to have the opportunity to do it on a consistent basis since he’s been here.”
But Rivera’s torn ACL and Robertson’s strained oblique — and inexperience in the role — may change that.
Girardi didn’t make any guarantees — probably with good reason.
Robertson could return to action by next weekend in Detroit and a lot could change before then, since Soriano still hasn’t shown he can succeed consistently as a Yankee.
His 45 saves in 2010 with Tampa Bay, though, mean something to Robinson Cano.
“It’s good to have a guy that’s been there before,” the second baseman said. “He’s faced tough situations and in the AL East. It’s not like he didn’t do it against good teams, so he knows what it takes to do it.”
No matter how well he does, Soriano won’t make anyone forget about Rivera and the ease with which he finished games.
Soriano gave up a run in his first save chance and on Tuesday, he was able to protect a one-run lead against the Royals only when Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira combined on an strong defensive play to prevent the tying run from scoring from third.
Even if he doesn’t make it easy, Soriano is back where he thinks he belongs.
“Whenever you’ve been a closer and done well, that’s what you are,” Boone Logan said. “This is what he’s designed to do. He’s been there and done it and has the track record to prove that he’s a go-to guy. It’s in his blood.”
dan.martin@nypost.com
Rafael Soriano, David Robertson, Mariano Rivera, Joe Girardi, Manager Joe Girardi
No comments:
Post a Comment