Update: Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo confirmed Soriano would close for the team this season. "Suffice it to say, Raffy is here to pitch the ninth inning," Rizzo said while introducing Soriano Thursday. "He has done it successfully everywhere he has been, and we expect him to continue that."
Recommendation: There was little doubt the Nationals signed Soriano for $28 million over two years to serve as a setup man, even with a proven closer in Drew Storen on the roster. Soriano was dominant in the ninth inning in place of the injured Mariano Rivera last season, saving 42 games with a 2.26 ERA. With a capable lineup and perhaps the best rotation in the game in place to build leads for him, Soriano should once again approach the 40-save plateau.
