2010 Breakouts MLB Player Profile: Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays

Written By Todd Farino, http://www.fantasybaseballsearch.com/ .

Player: Rafael Soriano

Team: Tampa Bay Rays

Throws: Right

Position: RP

FBS Breakout Rank: 3/30

The Braves parted ways with Soriano in an off-season trade to the Rays and I think it was a huge mistake. For a few years now Soriano has been on the radar as a future stud closer and last year he took the next step towards that role. He recorded 27 saves and a 2.97 ERA, while striking out 102 in 75.2 innings. 

Soriano has one of the best K/9 rates among closers and he has been added to a team that will see plenty of save opportunities and has a manager that won't be afraid to use him as often as needed. For owners, Soriano's only question mark is his consistency. He is still developing and his consistency should thrive and develop in 2010. 

As far as his new team goes, the Rays will be in a lot of tight games and have a knack for comebacks.  That will bode well for their new closer, who should see plenty of action and over power aggressive American League hitters.  There are only a handful of closer who will get more than 100 strikeouts in a season or get 40+ saves.  Mark down Soriano for both of them.

Right now Soriano is being drafted in the late 13th round.  That should change as we get near the end of spring training.  He's obviously a steal at that point, but drafting him as early as the eighth round is a smart and effective move.  Let the draft dictate where you take Soriano.

The True Guru Projections: 46 Saves, 4 Wins, 115 Ks, 3.21 ERA, 1.02 WHIP

I feel this player will achieve my projections through our formula based on 11 herbs and spices (its locked at Fort Knox). Of course we are assuming he stays relatively healthy for the entire season.

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