Rafael Soriano blew it! He served up a 9th inning homer in Toronto Monday night, and in extra innings the Yankees blew an opportunity to open up their lead in the AL East. Afterward, Soriano snuck out of the clubhouse faster than Usain Bolt runs the 100. The NY media hates that.

And yet he still has so much to prove about closing out big games, especially in the postseason, where Rivera was so often at his best.

One thing for sure: Soriano doesn’t handle himself in defeat the way his predecessor did. Nobody was more accountable or classier when he did blow one than Rivera.

Soriano should have paid more attention.

Wait, a pitcher with virtually no postseason experience – 7.2 innings – isn’t handling himself the same way as the greatest relief pitcher in baseball history? I’m floored.

But he’s always been considered a bit of a diva. Both Braves manager Bobby Cox and Rays skipper Joe Maddon had issues with Soriano when he played for them, and then there was the moody vibe he gave off during his first year with the Yankees, when he came over as the defending AL saves leader and wound up pitching the seventh inning.

Diva? Moody? The postseason can’t get here soon enough. [NYDN]