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Quick Hits: Nats Sign Rafael Soriano…So What?
This afternoon, the Nationals agreed to a two year, $28 million dollar deal with reliever Rafael Soriano. The deal contains a vesting option that could bring the total of the contract to $42 million over three years. The only reason I’m dedicating some virtual ink to this story, is because the signing caused a chunk of Mets fans to get all bent out of shape.
Oct. 2, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Rafael Soriano (29) pitches during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Yankees win 4-3 in 12 innings. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Why would Mets fans give a damn about this signing? Raise your hand if you expect the Mets to challenge the Nats for the NL East title in 2013. No one? OK. Being aggravated at the Mets not spending is one thing, but getting all hot and bothered over the Nats handing an outlandish contract to a reliever when they already have Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard seems a bit ridiculous.
The Mets have several needs (the bullpen being one of them). Coming off four consecutive losing seasons, though, they’re not in a position to hand out (nor would I have wanted them to hand out) a potential three year, $42 million dollar deal to a 33 year old reliever when they already have a solid pen. The Nationals are the favorites to win the division, and likely the favorites to advance to the World Series. I wish the Mets were in that position, but they’re not. The Nationals giving this deal to Soriano shouldn’t concern the Mets, or their fans.
If Mets fans want to get mad, they should direct their anger toward the team in the event they fail to splurge on a starting pitcher with upside or if they get outbid for a reliever that actually makes sense for them (Brian Wilson for example). It’s understandable that the fans are antsy (I’m one of them). However, the Rafael Soriano signing isn’t something fans should be concerning themselves with. It’s a waste of time and energy.
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