Rays Find Closer in Atlanta
The Tampa Bay Rays were in dire need of a closer. Not just any closer, but a good, proven closer. The 2008 Rays won the strong American League East then went on to the World Series, losing to the Phillies in 5-games. They made it to the Series on good young talent, excitement, and a very good pitching staff. Then came the 2009 season with much different results.
In 2009, Tampa Bay had 22-blown saves; 8th most in baseball. That kept them from wining their division or even the wild card. (It didn’t help that their baseball bats were silent too often also.)That’s just too many saves to blow, so they went out looking for help. They found it in Atlanta in the form of Rafael Soriano who had a career best 27 saves in 31 opportunities. In 75 2/3 innings, he struck out 102 batters while only walking 27. The 30-year old right handed reliever could be just what the Rays need to make another World Series run in 2010. It could be an exciting season in Tampa Bay…