Yanks sign MFIKY to three-year deal

The Yanks have reportedly signed Rafael Soriano to a three-year deal worth $35 million. The contract contains an opt-out clause after the first year, which seems unlikely to be exercised because where else is he going to make almost $12 million per year?

It appears this deal came out of nowhere because about a week ago Cashman said he wouldn’t give up a  first-round pick for a free agent…which he did by signing MFIKY. I’m not too concerned about them losing the pick though, because the MLB Draft is such a crap shoot anyway.

Oh well, the eighth and ninth innings are now locked down with Raffy and Mo. I’m all for this signing, the only gripe I have with it is the high price they paid for a set-up man, but what can you do?

It will be interesting to see if Raffy sticks around for the third year of his deal — when Mo’s contract ends — to become the closer or opt out. He could try to juice the Yanks for more money if they are left without a closer.

This signing is intriguing because I have to believe it signals the end of Joba’s days in pinstripes. They sent ol’ Joba to the bullpen to become the eighth-inning man, and with the acquisition of Soriano that role is no more. I think they’re going to use Joba as a chip in a trade for a starting pitcher.

I’ll be sad to see him go because I always liked Joba, he was a character and a fun guy to root for but the Yanks messed him up with the shifting to and fro the bullpen. Now they have to cut their losses with him; I bet he’ll do better in a smaller market.

31 MORE DAYS UNTIL PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT!!!