Soriano "to make leftfield decision"

[Blueheart05]

If Hendry wants Soriano, he'll get him for a lot cheaper than he would have at the deadline last year. Todd Walker and Wellemeyer might do it if the Cubs pick up all of Soriano's contract.

 

Bowden is already quoted as saying he won't give Soriano away. He's going to try and save face by getting reasonable value if a trade occurs.

[Blueheart05]

Bowden is an absolute moron. Soriano may be selfish, but it didn't take a genius to see this problem coming a mile down the road.

 

I don't happen to agree that Bowden is the main offender here but I found a quote to support your argument (it also supports my idea that Soriano is crazy because he would benefit by moving to the outfield; he isn't exactly a stellar defender).

 

The Washinton Times

 

 

The trade seemed to border on irresponsible when Bowden did not get assurances from Soriano that playing the outfield, while leaving him unhappy, would not be a deal-breaker.

 

That is laughable considering what a horrible second baseman Soriano is. You would think he was the second coming of Roberto Alomar the way he adamantly refused to consider a position switch.

Soriano has the worst fielding percentage of any player in the past 50 years with a minimum of 650 career games at second base.

He also gets to fewer ground balls than almost anyone who played the position in that period, averaging just 4.92 chances a game. Only three others in that span -- Bret Boone, Todd Walker and Marty Barrett -- have a worse average, and each had a fielding percentage far better than Soriano's.

Soriano and Bowden both stand a better chance of getting paid if Soriano plays left field. He still would rank among the top outfielders in the game offensively. He finished with 36 home runs, 104 RBI, 102 runs scored and 30 steals with the Texas Rangers last year.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Right. While not defending Soriano, I can imagine how irresponsible this was on Bowden's part not to check it out first.

 

It would be one thing if he was moving someone he didn't trade for or if he had acquired Soriano for a "bargain" price on a gamble.

 

He, however, gave away some good players to get him and now has egg all on his face.

[Geech]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

[Blueheart05]

Right. While not defending Soriano, I can imagine how irresponsible this was on Bowden's part not to check it out first.

 

It would be one thing if he was moving someone he didn't trade for or if he had acquired Soriano for a "bargain" price on a gamble.

 

He, however, gave away some good players to get him and now has egg all on his face.

 

Well, Bowden gave away something for him but I don't think Wilkerson et al was equal near equal value for the kind of offensive game Soriano brings. I agree with this quote:

 

The Rangers traded Soriano -- a player who averaged 35 home runs, 97 RBI and 31 stolen bases the past four years -- for Brad Wilkerson and a minor league pitcher. Wilkerson hit just 11 home runs and drove in 57 runs last year and is another damaged platoon outfielder at best. Did the Rangers get value for Soriano?

 

Yet Wilkerson was the only tradable commodity Bowden had, and if he squandered it on a player who won't play, it is another consequence of the general manager's gamble.

 

Possible senarios

 

• Soriano refuses to play and lets the players association battle it out for him... It is doubtful the union, with negotiations coming up on a new labor deal, would be willing to fight baseball on such a basic management decision.

• Soriano refuses to play, forcing the Nationals to trade him. ...the Nationals likely would not get value for Soriano. No team is willing to take on a $10 million salary before Opening Day unless it is trading one expensive problem for another.

[Blueheart05]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

I think it's pretty likely Wilkerson outperforms Soriano, especially given that they just swapped ballparks on opposite ends of the spectrum.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

Three-year OPS plus.

 

Wilkerson

2003: 104

2004: 128

2005: 105

 

Soriano

2003: 131

2004: 98

2005: 110

 

It's possible that Wilkerson could outproduce him. Wilkerson played last year with a lingering injury. If he's healthy, he could produce an OPS+ of 110-120. That would be the range I'd expect of Soriano.

[Blueheart05]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

I think it's pretty likely Wilkerson outperforms Soriano, especially given that they just swapped ballparks on opposite ends of the spectrum.

 

I'm talking about offensive ability. I do agree that Soriano's power numbers will likely be affected in his new home park (that is if he takes the field or isn't traded). My point is, Soriano is a much more productive offensive player than Wilkerson.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

Three-year OPS plus.

 

Wilkerson

2003: 104

2004: 128

2005: 105

 

Soriano

2003: 131

2004: 98

2005: 110

 

It's possible that Wilkerson could outproduce him. Wilkerson played last year with a lingering injury. If he's healthy, he could produce an OPS+ of 110-120. That would be the range I'd expect of Soriano.

 

Also worth considering, OBP ranks higher than SLG in importance, and Wilkerson blows Soriano out of the water in that category.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

I think it's pretty likely Wilkerson outperforms Soriano, especially given that they just swapped ballparks on opposite ends of the spectrum.

 

I'm talking about offensive ability. I do agree that Soriano's power numbers will likely be affected in his new home park (that is if he takes the field or isn't traded). My point is, Soriano is a much more productive offensive player than Wilkerson.

 

And that's not really true. Soriano slugs, but can't get on base very much. Wilkerson is going to get on base at a good clip, and if his (shoulder?) injury is behind him he will likely slug very well too(moving from RFK to Arlington can only help that).

[UK1679666180]

You have to question the desires of a player who is unwilling to help his team. He's being purely selfish and that type of behavior should not be tolerated.

 

Bowden should've done further research whether or not Soriano would shift to the OF, all early indications were that would not support a move to the OF.

 

Despite Soriano's talent, this isn't the situation where Bowden should cave in to Soriano.

[Blueheart05]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

Three-year OPS plus.

 

Wilkerson

2003: 104

2004: 128

2005: 105

 

Soriano

2003: 131

2004: 98

2005: 110

 

It's possible that Wilkerson could outproduce him. Wilkerson played last year with a lingering injury. If he's healthy, he could produce an OPS+ of 110-120. That would be the range I'd expect of Soriano.

 

I see the numbers but I still don't think he will do it. Wilkerson being ticketed for the top of the lineup doesn't help his case either. Soriano will strike out more but he's also a safer bet to have 30 homers and 100 RBI.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

I think it's pretty likely Wilkerson outperforms Soriano, especially given that they just swapped ballparks on opposite ends of the spectrum.

 

I'm talking about offensive ability. I do agree that Soriano's power numbers will likely be affected in his new home park (that is if he takes the field or isn't traded). My point is, Soriano is a much more productive offensive player than Wilkerson.

 

The past two years of OPS+ cast serious doubt on that.

[Blueheart05]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

I think it's pretty likely Wilkerson outperforms Soriano, especially given that they just swapped ballparks on opposite ends of the spectrum.

 

I'm talking about offensive ability. I do agree that Soriano's power numbers will likely be affected in his new home park (that is if he takes the field or isn't traded). My point is, Soriano is a much more productive offensive player than Wilkerson.

 

And that's not really true. Soriano slugs, but can't get on base very much. Wilkerson is going to get on base at a good clip, and if his (shoulder?) injury is behind him he will likely slug very well too(moving from RFK to Arlington can only help that).

 

Well, it is true. Wilkerson will get on base more often but he will also work at or near the top of the batting order which limits his RBI opportunities. In 2004, when Wilkerson hit 32 homers he only had 67 RBI. If teams really respected his offensive prowess he would bat in the middle of the lineup.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

Three-year OPS plus.

 

Wilkerson

2003: 104

2004: 128

2005: 105

 

Soriano

2003: 131

2004: 98

2005: 110

 

It's possible that Wilkerson could outproduce him. Wilkerson played last year with a lingering injury. If he's healthy, he could produce an OPS+ of 110-120. That would be the range I'd expect of Soriano.

 

I see the numbers but I still don't think he will do it. Wilkerson being ticketed for the top of the lineup doesn't help his case either. Soriano will strike out more but he's also a safer bet to have 30 homers and 100 RBI.

 

A player's lineup spot doesn't do anything for his value if he puts up the production, and there's no reason to expect Wilkerson's numbers to drop at the top of the order. Also, 30 HR and 100 RBI are arbitrary and ultimately inaccurate measures of a hitter. Wilkerson is more likely to have a good combination of OBP and power, therefore, he's more likely to be the better hitter.

[UK1679666180]

Soriano has an EqA of .273 over the last 3 years and Wilkerson has a .280 EqA over the last 3 years.

 

You gave me the choice based on production, I'd take Wilkerson.

 

Then, you factor Soriano acting like a selfish jerk, give me Wilkerson every day of the week.

[Blueheart05]

It's not like it's a great trade even if Soriano would change positions. Soriano is far from a lock to outproduce Wilkerson offensively, and it's extremely unlikely that he could match him defensively in the outfield.

 

You think Wilkerson will out perform Soriano offensively? I think a move to the outfield will only improve Soriano's defensive numbers. 2B is too important for a player with his defensive deficiencies.

However, Wilkerson would still probably out perform him defensively.

 

Three-year OPS plus.

 

Wilkerson

2003: 104

2004: 128

2005: 105

 

Soriano

2003: 131

2004: 98

2005: 110

 

It's possible that Wilkerson could outproduce him. Wilkerson played last year with a lingering injury. If he's healthy, he could produce an OPS+ of 110-120. That would be the range I'd expect of Soriano.

 

I see the numbers but I still don't think he will do it. Wilkerson being ticketed for the top of the lineup doesn't help his case either. Soriano will strike out more but he's also a safer bet to have 30 homers and 100 RBI.

 

A player's lineup spot doesn't do anything for his value if he puts up the production, and there's no reason to expect Wilkerson's numbers to drop at the top of the order. Also, 30 HR and 100 RBI are arbitrary and ultimately inaccurate measures of a hitter. Wilkerson is more likely to have a good combination of OBP and power, therefore, he's more likely to be the better hitter.

 

I value OBP, and thus Wilkerson's ability to get on base, but without a player with the ability to consistently get the runner home it doesn't mean much. Conversely, Soriano is someone with a lesser ability to get on base but he consistently drives home runs. Also, the spot in the lineup does come into play, to some degree, when you look at each players value to their respective team. DO you want to bat the guy with consistent 30 homer power at the top of the lineup? I don't.

[Blueheart05]

Soriano has an EqA of .273 over the last 3 years and Wilkerson has a .280 EqA over the last 3 years.

 

You gave me the choice based on production, I'd take Wilkerson.

 

Then, you factor Soriano acting like a selfish jerk, give me Wilkerson every day of the week.

 

I'm sure that's the reason why he was traded (that and his horrible defense on a team with more than enough offense).

[Radar3454]

I think Bowden went in to the deal knowing Soriano would not want to move to the OF but in the end would at least try it. If my memory serves me correctly he played LF very well early in his career for the Yankees. The Nats even offered him his choice of CF or LF. He is certainly athletic enough to play CF and I think he should jump at the chance to play there as I doubt he could do any worse in CF than 2B and if he does well it could really help him in FA.

[Geech]

I value OBP, and thus Wilkerson's ability to get on base, but without a player with the ability to consistently get the runner home it doesn't mean much. Conversely, Soriano is someone with a lesser ability to get on base but he consistently drives home runs. Also, the spot in the lineup does come into play, to some degree, when you look at each players value to their respective team. DO you want to bat the guy with consistent 30 homer power at the top of the lineup? I don't.

 

It's not like Wilkerson can't slug. He may not hit as many homers as Soriano, but his combination of OBP and power make him a more complete, and better, hitter.

 

As far as the lineup is concerned, a better idea is to get the best players available at each position and then worry about where to hit them. Trying to find prototypical hitters is a bad strategy.

[CP_414]

Gutsy Prediction: Soriano and Livan Hernandez come to the Cubs with some cash in exchange for Walker, Welly, and a few pretty good pitching prospects before April 3rd.

 

 

 

 

 

*Probably won't happen, and it probably shouldn't happen.

[Mizzou]

Soriano is a punk. He reminds me of Terrell Owens. I just hope he doesn't get as much SportsCenter time as TO did.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I value OBP, and thus Wilkerson's ability to get on base, but without a player with the ability to consistently get the runner home it doesn't mean much. Conversely, Soriano is someone with a lesser ability to get on base but he consistently drives home runs. Also, the spot in the lineup does come into play, to some degree, when you look at each players value to their respective team. DO you want to bat the guy with consistent 30 homer power at the top of the lineup? I don't.

 

It's not like Wilkerson can't slug. He may not hit as many homers as Soriano, but his combination of OBP and power make him a more complete, and better, hitter.

 

As far as the lineup is concerned, a better idea is to get the best players available at each position and then worry about where to hit them. Trying to find prototypical hitters is a bad strategy.

 

Exactly. Also, Wilkerson's moving to the top of the order because Texas has some mashers in that lineup. There's no Teixeira in Washington.

[Blueheart05]

I value OBP, and thus Wilkerson's ability to get on base, but without a player with the ability to consistently get the runner home it doesn't mean much. Conversely, Soriano is someone with a lesser ability to get on base but he consistently drives home runs. Also, the spot in the lineup does come into play, to some degree, when you look at each players value to their respective team. DO you want to bat the guy with consistent 30 homer power at the top of the lineup? I don't.

 

It's not like Wilkerson can't slug. He may not hit as many homers as Soriano, but his combination of OBP and power make him a more complete, and better, hitter.

 

As far as the lineup is concerned, a better idea is to get the best players available at each position and then worry about where to hit them. Trying to find prototypical hitters is a bad strategy.

 

It's hard for me to argue that Soriano is a better complete player because I think his defense at 2B takes away a lot from his total value (thus a switch to the outfield might benefit him). I'm also not advocating prototypical hitters (i.e. "leadoff hitters).

 

I guess what I'm saying is that, even with his subpar OBP (high strikeouts and almost non-existent walks) he has still managed to be among the most productive players in the ML (certainly at his position). The article also points out that, quite possibly, Soriano would only be second to Andruw Jones offensively among NL OF (if he makes the switch).

 

Between Soriano and Wilkerson, I think Wilkerson has much more to prove. Maybe my view of his game is marred by the fact that he traditionally doesn't score a lot of runs. With the exception of 2004, his career year, he has yet to score more 100 runs (92 runs in 2002 was the closest). Of course, that has a lot to do with the players hitting behind him (which can mostly be chalked up to playing for the Expos. Some of that also has to do with his low stolen base %). It seems like he's been miss cast as a "leadoff man." At the very least, I would bat him second and take advantage of his ability to hit doubles. He also has to prove that he's healthy this year.