Should the Cleveland Indians Sign Rafael Soriano?

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

For the last couple years now, the bullpen has been a big strength for the Cleveland Indians, and 2014 was no different. The Indians have a nice mix of young guns (Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw, Kyle Crockett, and Nick Hagadone) and veterans (Marc Rzepczynski and Scott Atchison).  The team also has some young talent in the minors in C.C. Lee, Austin Adams and Shawn Armstrong to name a few. However, much of that young talent is unproven and/or has really struggled both this spring and in their time in the big leagues. So the question I post is, could the Indians look outside the organization to fortify the bullpen? And if so, could they turn to free agent closer Rafael Soriano?

At first the idea of signing Rafael Soriano probably seems a bit crazy (ok, maybe more than just a bit). I mean, the Indians have a very good, young closer in Cody Allen. He had a very good season in 2014 after taking over for John Axford as the team’s closer, saving 24 games for the Tribe.  He posted a very good 1.06 WHIP and 2.99 FIP, while also striking out 11.8 batters per nine innings.  He was arguably one of the best relievers in the American League last year.  So why should the Cleveland Indians consider adding Rafael Soriano?

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