No, Mark Melancon didn't solve all of our bullpen issues. Ben Cherington knows this, which is why, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford, he called up Kansas City if we might be able to take Joakim Soria off their hands for a few bat racks and access to NESN for a year. You're not gonna believe this, but the Royals were looking for "a couple of solid pieces".
The 27-year-old Soria — whom the Red Sox did have some interest in at the 2010 non-waiver trade deadline — is coming off his worst season, converting 28 of 35 save opportunities, while finishing with a 4.03 ERA. Opponents hit .259 off of the righty, who hadn’t allowed an OBA of higher than .219 in any of his previous four seasons. Five times Soria allowed three or more runs in ’11, matching the amount of such outings for his entire career prior coming into the campaign.
Soria’s contract is extremely attractive considering his overall production, with the closer carrying club options of $6 million, $8 million and $8.75 million over the next three seasons, respectively. If any agreement was to be reached there would be one potential fly in the ointment with the Red Sox representing one of six teams Soria can block a trade to. (The impetus for such a clause — which also includes the Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, Rockies, and Braves — is usually viewed as an opportunity to renegotiate the current deal.)
The contract part of this is the most attractive. Soria's a good player and everything, but three consecutive club options? Yes, please. With the variability of relievers, that kind of ability to bail on the investment quickly is certainly attractive. But if the Royals are looking for actual players -- you know, beyond, like, Lars Anderson -- I don't think this is going to be a match.
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