2010 Closer Profile: Joakim Soria, Royals

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Team: Kansas City Royals
Projections: 37-3-1.98-1.08-81(SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K)

Average Draft Position: 99th pick No Change

Recommended Draft Round: 9

Team Saves Projection: 43

Injury Risk/Stability: 8/10

Top 50 Rank: #14

Check out the entire draft kit by clicking here

Soria had a tough year statistically in 2009 due to injury and some bad luck, which is good news for managers who draft him in 2010. Soria's biggest problem was the lingering injury he had last season, yet he still he finished with 30 saves, 2.21 ERA, and a much improved K/9 rate of 1.3. His last two seasons averaged a 1.04 K/9. Expect Soria to continue to dominate with his excellent control, zippy fastball, and nasty breaking ball.  He is one of the elite closers in the league and would be rated much higher if he was on a better team.

The True Guru Strategy: Most owners won't notice Soria's improved K/9 rate because he got about the same amount of strikeouts. His numbers will also drop him in the draft a tiny bit.  Don't be afraid to take Soria in the ninth round. Only the Royals can hold him back at this point and even they are improving.