Though it wasn't received well by everyone in the clubhouse, or by some in the fan base, Washington Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo explained the decision to sign veteran closer Rafael Soriano to a free agent deal in the winter of 2013, in spite of the presence of set-up man Tyler Clippard and closer Drew Storen in the Nats' bullpen, as a move designed to strengthen a strength. A crowded bullpen was not seen as a problem.
"One of them is going to close out the seventh," Rizzo said, in explaining how the relievers would be used, "one will close out the eighth and one will finish the game in the ninth and we feel pretty good about that.