WHY SORIANO HAS RETURNED TO FORM

Ladies and Gentleman, it looks as though the Yankees' high priced reliever Rafael Soriano has returned to form. Soriano had a nightmare beginning to his Yankee career. First, he started the season with a 5.40 ERA in 16 games. He landed on the DL due to elbow inflammation, and in an outing in which he blew a four run lead against the Minnesota Twins by allowing four runs in 2/3 of an inning, he refused to talk to the media after the game. A huge no-no in New York. But with his 78 day layoff, he may have recollected himself, and adjusted his attitude a bit, which was needed.Since returning from the DL on July 30th he's been perfect. In three outings he's retired every batter he has faced, including four strikeouts. This is obviously the best he has looked since last season when he was the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays. In fact, the last time Soriano pitched a perfect inning before his return was on Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers. And since his return, he's lowered his ERA from 5.40 to 4.50. Also in his last eight outings dating back to April 30th against the Toronto Blue Jays, he hasn't allowed one run. I'm really starting to believe Soriano is the real deal, and so should you.

But, the one game that made me 100% convinced that he's back was Friday night in Boston. It was another tight one at Fenway Park, they usually are between the Yankees and Red Sox. But, it was a 3-2 game going into the bottom of the seventh. Remember, Soriano came into two blowout games against the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox. But this had a whole new feel to it. Fenway Park, close game, the pressure was on Soriano to perform and God dammit, he did. (Photo: Getty)
He forced Josh Reddick to pop out to Eduardo Nunez in third base foul territory, then he made Marco Scutaro fly out to Brett Gardner in left field, and finally he struck out Jacoby Ellsbury to end the frame. Just a fantastic job by Soriano when the stage was set.

Folks, I know the vast majority of you have doubted Soriano and wanted him out. I'm sure you've changed your minds by now and you should. But I've been behind him he entire time. You can read a piece I wrote way back in May in a piece titled WHY SORIANO WILL BE FINE, check it out.

He was solid in his last few outings before the DL stint, and he's been better than ever since coming off. If he continues it looks like we have a lethal 7-8-9 in the bullpen with Soriano, David Robertson, and Mariano Rivera.



--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer




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