Poll Results: Rafael Soriano to save less than 10 games in 2011

Voters in my latest poll concluded newly acquired setup man Rafael Soriano will record between 0-10 saves in 2011. Depending on how you look at it, the question could have been asking you to predict Mariano Rivera’s health.

Rivera is 41 but he hasn’t pitched less than 55 games in a season since 2002. He also has had an ERA in the 1’s in seven of his past eight seasons.

Soriano is coming off a 45-save season, which led the American league, so it will be interesting to see how he’ll react by just collecting holds this season. He’s still getting paid like a closer ($35M/3yrs), but won’t close games unless Rivera is tired or on the DL.

Remember, terms in his contract allow him to leave the Yankees after one season.

New poll: Will Mark Teixeira have a good April for once?