Former Yankee Rafael Soriano and pest Chone Figgins retire

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Rafael Soriano, who announces his retirement Sunday, comes to the Yankees as a setup man, but has a big year as the team’s closer when Mariano Rivera tears his ACL.

One was a Yankee bullpen savior the year Mariano Rivera busted up his knee. The other was a pest whose play against the Yanks prompted a colorful quote from Derek Jeter.

Both Rafael Soriano and Chone Figgins formally ended their playing careers this weekend, announcing their retirements. Soriano, who had signed a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays, had not reported to spring camp because of visa issues and Figgins had not played in the majors since 2014.

Soriano, of course, was the Yanks’ closer-in-waiting in 2012 when Rivera blew out his knee shagging fly balls in batting practice in Kansas City. The reliever – who was signed before the previous season by ownership and not GM Brian Cashman, making for an unusual introductory press conference – notched 42 saves in ‘12 and then left as a free agent via an opt-out clause.

Figgins, the speedy former Angels’ catalyst, had a knack for making things happen with his bat, glove or legs. During the 2005 playoffs, Figgins did not hit well (.143 against the Yanks), but vexed them with his fielding.

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Chone Figgins spends most of his career with the Angels – and as a thorn in the Yankees’ side.

At one point during the series, Jeter said, “You ever see that movie, ‘Multiplicity,’ with Michael Keaton? It’s like they keep making a bunch of Chone Figginses and putting them all over the field.

“He comes up with a lot of big plays no matter where you put him.”

The Angels announced Sunday that the 38-year-old Figgins was retiring. He will sign a one-day contract with the team Monday so he can retire with the Halos. He owns the club record with 280 steals.

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Soriano’s 2011 signing is not without some controversy.

Figgins spent three unproductive seasons with the Mariners from 2010-12 after signing a four-year, $ 36-million free agent deal with Seattle. The M’s released him and he did not play professionally in 2013, finishing up with the Dodgers the next season. He retired with a career .295 average against the Yankees, including 48 runs scored in 70 games.

The Washington Post reported last week that Soriano was going to retire and the 36-year-old released a statement through the Blue Jays to that effect this weekend.

Soriano was eighth among active pitchers with 207 career saves. In 14 seasons, he recorded a 2.89 career ERA. The Jays posted a note from him saying, in part, he’d like to remain in the game.

Baseball – NY Daily News

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