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Tampa Bay Rays Inside Pitch

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Updated Dec 11, 2009 6:01 AM ET
     
 
The Rays brought home an unexpected gift from the winter meetings in Indianapolis, acquiring proven closer Rafael Soriano in a trade with the Braves.

Soriano wasn't under consideration because he was a Type A free agent, but when he unexpectedly accepted arbitration the Rays were able to acquire him for minimal cost -- pitcher Jesse Chavez.

The deal was expensive, however, as the Rays signed him to a $7 million contract, an unplanned increase in their payroll and a sign of the commitment from ownership of making a serious bid to get back to the postseason.

The Rays found too many times last season that it's too hard to compete without a consistent closer, and their 22 blown saves were a stark reminder.

Soriano, who turns 30 this month, saved 27 games in 31 tries for the Braves last season, featuring a fastball and nasty slider. He averaged more than 12 strikeouts per nine innings and held right-handed hitters to a stunning .138 average.

He gives the Rays not only someone who had experience getting the final three outs, but also good enough stuff to do so in the rugged American League East.
Tagged: Rays

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