A slight majority of fans voted David Robertson as the the man most likely to set up Mariano Rivera in 2011. Rafael Soriano received the second most votes, but Brian Cashman explicitly told the media last week he won’t forfeit his first round draft pick (which the Yankees would have to do in order to sign Soriano).
I’ll let it be known Jon Heyman reported Saturday the Yankees were “still in on Soriano,” but that’s really tough to believe after what Cashman said on Friday.
Robertson’s highlight of 2010 was a 17-2/3 scoreless inning streak in July and August, lowering his ERA to 3.63. After a so-so September/October, he finished the year at 3.82 with a 1.50 WHIP, 10.4 SO/9 and 4.8 BB/9. I love the strikeouts, but hate the walks.
After a rocky ALCS against the Rangers, he’ll enter 2011 with something to prove.
Next poll: Will the Rays be contenders in 2011?