The Yankees once again threw big money at an aging pitcher. Only this time, Brian Cashman wasn’t behind it.
Team owner Hal Steinbrenner pushed for setup man Rafael Soriano despite Cashman’s objections. The 31-year-old right-hander was introduced yesterday after signing a three-year, $35 million deal.
“I think it’s certainly a sign that at times if Hal feels that he wants to go in a different direction, that could happen,” Cashman said. “I think that’s certainly the case. This is their team. Does that happen often? Will it happen a lot? I just think it depends on the circumstances.”
Soriano was a full-time closer the past two seasons with Tampa and Atlanta, respectively. He’ll bolster a bullpen that may need to cover four innings some nights due to a thin rotation likely not to include Andy Pettitte.
