Elbows. They are notoriously fragile.
Joakim Soria Injury: Early Word On Elbow Not Good
Closers. They are notoriously inconsistent, few of them able to string together more than a few great seasons in a row.
Joakim Soria is a closer, with an elbow. Or perhaps an ex-closer.
#Royals say MRI reveals damage in RHP Joakim Soria's ulnar collateral ligament in right elbow.
— Bob Dutton (@Royals_Report) March 19, 2012
This usually means Tommy John surgery, which in this case would mean Soria would disappear from the major leagues until 2013. The Royals have already exercised their $6 million option on Soria for this season, so that money’s gone. They have another option for 2013, for $8 million. Which might lead to a tough decision next winter.
In the short term, the saves will probably go to Jonathan Broxton and/or Greg Holland, with Broxton's experience giving him the upper hand in the longer term. The Royals do have a solid bullpen even without Soria, if Broxton's good and the other guys pitch like they did last season.
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