New York Yankees

Bill Madden of the New York Daily News is reporting that Rafael Soriano has a bad attitude and "was hated by almost everyone in Tampa Bay last year."  Madden says Soriano didn't like being brought into games in non-save situations or having to pitch more than one inning in a game.

I'll start today's post with a question.

As the football season begins to wind down, the 2011 MLB season is right around the corner with Spring Training beginning in mid-February.  

With many interesting signings during the offseason, some of the league's most dominant players have decided to switch cities and play for another organization, such as Rafael Soriano and Cliff Lee.  

As Spring Training is quickly approaching, take a look at 10 players who are the most likely to show up to camp out of shape.

* Stats compiled from ESPN

Via Brian Costello of the NY Post:

Via Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated:

"Yankees step up pursuit of Andruw Jones. Rays, several others in mix. [Johnny Damon] could be possibility or either team also."

Rafael Soriano, the best relief pitcher on the free-agent market this year, has reached a three-year deal with the New York Yankees worth about $35 million. The Yankees have opted for Soriano since their initial interest in Kerry Wood didn’t develop into a deal and they’re better off for it.

Talent needs execution like you and I need air to live and thrive. That’s perhaps an extreme analogy but oh so true.

Joba Chamberlain knows this deep within himself.

This uniquely gifted man, lifted up by expectation that now slides down toward a thoroughly middling career because he can’t quite get a handle on “great” and his grip on “good” is slipping.

Remember 2007, prior to the midges, when Joba Chamberlain was the golden boy for the Yankees? 

Then, things got Biblical. Bugs attacked the Yankees in Cleveland like something out of the movies, and the untouchable kid, suddenly became very human. 

Now that the Yankees have finally made a big move this offseason, adding reliever Rafael Soriano as the main setup man for closer Mariano Rivera with a three-year, $35 million deal, it takes some of the focus off of the weak starting rotation.

The Yankees made their first "big splash" in the free agent market yesterday, signing former Rays' closer Rafael Soriano to a three year deal worth $35 million, which does include an opt out clause after each of the first two seasons.