2012 Player Profile: Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals

Joakim Soria had a 2011 season ripe with inconsistency, injury and just bad luck.  At 28 (May), Soria is in the prime of his career and he’s ready to dominate American Leagues hitters and place himself back atop the best closers in the American League.  Soria anchors a solid KC bullpent that now includes Jonathan Broxton.  The Royals will be a young and exciting team in 2012 and will provide Soria with plenty of save opportunities.  You will have to expect long droughs without saves, but also love the 4-5 save weeks.

Soria dominates hitters with a mixture of 93 MPH fastballs, sliders, change ups, and a curveball.  While he throws the fastball three out of four pitches, hitters never know what the fourth pitch will be.  His most dominating pitch out side of his fast ball, is the curveball.  It has a nasty 12 to 6 drop and freezes hitters not expecting it.  Soria has the stuff to maintain a K/9 over 10, and I think he will achieve that in 2012 or at least close to it if he remains healthly.

Soria’s success will depend heavily on how well the Royals play.  Soria could achieve 50+ saves, if the Royals can get him there.  Either way, Soria will have a huge come back season and there is no doubt in my mind that he is the closer you would want on your fantasy team.

The Closer Report 2012 Projections: 43 Sv – 2 Wins – 2.14 ERA – 1.05 WHIP – 74 Ks

2012 Fantasy Draft Analysis:

Many managers drafting will look at Soria’s 4.03 ERA and 28 saves from last season and pass on him.  There mistake is your gain. Early MOCK Drafts have him going around the 168th pick.  That is highway robbery if you can get him that late.  I value Soria no later than the 9th round.  Once the 9th round rolls around, Soria should be on your hit list.  You can take a chance and draft him closer to the 14th round where he is going, but you may not get him.  Soria is a 1st tier closer and should be trated as one during your draft.