The Oakland Athletics had high hopes for Joakim Soria when they signed him to a two year deal worth $15 million, it was hoped that he would be a part of the answer in the bullpen. Soria had a track record of success, even if his days as a closer were long behind him. He was a worthwhile gamble for the usually cost-conscious A’s.
In the first year of that contract, Soria failed to live up to expectations. He posted a 4.30 ERA, the worst mark of his 12 years in the majors. Soria also allowed nine homers, with each one seemingly coming in a key spot.