WHY MO WILL BE A BIG INFLUENCE

When the Yankees lost the Cliff Lee sweepstakes, the Yankees turned to strengthening their already decent bullpen. The number one target was Rafael Soriano. The Yankees saw him, and they attacked, like when a shark that smells blood, by signing the former Ray closer to a 3 year, $35 million deal. Although Soriano will be a setup man for the Yanks, at least his first two years as a Yankee because that spot is currently occupied, obviously with the King, Mariano Rivera. But think of it as a transition period for Soriano. If he's successful as a set up man in the Bronx, over time, once Rivera retires, he will fill that closer role. Meanwhile, all the while he'll learn the tricks of the trade to closing in the Bronx. Mo should be a good mentor out in the bullpen for Soriano, for sure.

Mariano Rivera has been able to help out Yankee relievers over the years. And most notably was last year when Mo worked with Kerry Wood. Before coming to the Yankees at last year, Wood was on pace for his worst year in the major leagues. In his 23 games as a Cleveland Indian he had a 6.30 ERA, while striking out 18 in 20 innings pitched. As a Yankee, Wood had a sparkling 0.69 ERA in 24 games. And in his 26 innings pitched, he struck out 31 batters, while allowing just 14 hits. The reason for the improvement you ask? Mariano Rivera and his cut fastball. Rivera taught Wood the cutter and it really showed. It became one of Wood's key out pitches. Wood really resurrected his career while with the Yankees, and he'll be the key in the Chicago Cubs bullpen this season.
Last year, Soriano made his first All-Star team in his career as a Tampa Bay Ray, and in the 2010 season, he saved a league high 45 games with a 1.73 ERA. That's outstanding. Also, in his 62.1 innings pitched he had a WHIP of 0.80.

Look for Soriano to thrive as the Yankee setup man, and with Rivera behind him, look for Soriano to add a cutter into his arsenal as well. Also, look for Soriano to earn another All-Star bid, even though he'll be a setup man. Soriano's got talent, and with Mo in his corner, he'll get the courage and confidence to win over a packed Yankee Stadium and be a successful New York Yankee.


--Jesse Schindler BYB Guest Writer
The Pinstriped Personality Blog


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