Ken Rosenthal: Soriano 90% a Cub next year (Cubs.com rumor)

[baseball7897]

In 2000 the proposed trade was Sammy to the Yankees for Soriano and garbage, right?

IIRC, it was Sosa for Soriano, Nick Johnson, Ricky Ledee, and I think Ted Lilly. Just imagine if we had pulled that off.

 

Yeah, just imagine--you'd be plenty upset. Sosa almost got the team in the playoffs in 01, and he was our biggest bat in the 03 run. He also put up some mighty fine numbers in 02 and wasn't bad in 04 even, at least until the last month and a half or so.

 

Meanwhile, Soriano has been hot and cold, Nick Johnson is always hurt, Ricky Ledee is a deadbeat, and Ted Lilly is a dime-a-dozen #4 starter.

 

Sometimes, the best trades are the ones not made after all....

 

Totally agree.

[CuseCubFan69]

I don't believe anything that is written at this point of the season about any speculation signing of a free agent. I do think that Hendry will be interested in Soriano but if he replaces Murton in left the Cubs are making the wrong move yet once again.

[soapy]

I'll echo the sentiments of most others that a) I take this "rumor" (if it's even at that stage) with a massive grain of salt; and b) My primary interest in getting Soriano would be to play him at 2B. If the Cubs had Soriano at 2B and someone like Freel in CF, I think the offense would be strong enough.

 

Freel CF

Murton LF

Soriano 2B

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Barrett C

Jones/Platoon RF

Izturis SS

[CuseCubFan69]

I'll echo the sentiments of most others that a) I take this "rumor" (if it's even at that stage) with a massive grain of salt; and b) My primary interest in getting Soriano would be to play him at 2B. If the Cubs had Soriano at 2B and someone like Freel in CF, I think the offense would be strong enough.

 

Freel CF

Murton LF

Soriano 2B

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Barrett C

Jones/Platoon RF

Izturis SS

 

If the Cubs actually had a manager that have some guts to platoon Jones I'd be thrilled. All I can hear is "We're not paying him that kind of money to play part time". God forbid actually winning games be more important.

[Backtobanks]

I'll echo the sentiments of most others that a) I take this "rumor" (if it's even at that stage) with a massive grain of salt; and b) My primary interest in getting Soriano would be to play him at 2B. If the Cubs had Soriano at 2B and someone like Freel in CF, I think the offense would be strong enough.

 

Freel CF

Murton LF

Soriano 2B

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Barrett C

Jones/Platoon RF

Izturis SS

 

I agree with most of the posters that Soriano at 2B would be great, but not to replace Murton. Actually, I can't see Hendry outbidding everybody for Soriano. I think the Tribune's free agent money should go to ARam, a starting pitcher (Schmidt), and some cheaper free agents (Durham and Craig Wilson). The impact bat (Tejada, Andruw Jones, etc.) can come in a trade using Cedeno and a couple of young pitchers as bait.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'll echo the sentiments of most others that a) I take this "rumor" (if it's even at that stage) with a massive grain of salt; and b) My primary interest in getting Soriano would be to play him at 2B. If the Cubs had Soriano at 2B and someone like Freel in CF, I think the offense would be strong enough.

 

Freel CF

Murton LF

Soriano 2B

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Barrett C

Jones/Platoon RF

Izturis SS

 

I agree with most of the posters that Soriano at 2B would be great, but not to replace Murton. Actually, I can't see Hendry outbidding everybody for Soriano. I think the Tribune's free agent money should go to ARam, a starting pitcher (Schmidt), and some cheaper free agents (Durham and Craig Wilson). The impact bat (Tejada, Andruw Jones, etc.) can come in a trade using Cedeno and a couple of young pitchers as bait.

 

Good points and Hendry does have very good options out there and it's time for him to sieze them now.

 

Is Freel a free agent? I just don't see the Reds dealing him in he still has options.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Is Freel a free agent? I just don't see the Reds dealing him in he still has options.

 

No, he's signed through next year.

[NCCubFan]

If the Cubs actually had a manager that have some guts to platoon Jones I'd be thrilled. All I can hear is "We're not paying him that kind of money to play part time". Trib forbid actually winning games be more important.

Fixed. :D

[HoopsCubs]

I am so sorry to do this, but I heard this over at Cubs.com. Yes I know the general opinion about that place over here. But someone claimed he said it on fox sports a couple of days ago. Did anyone catch him saying that he thinks it's highly likely Soriano will be a Cub next year?

 

The reason I post this is because Soriano would be my #1 choice because it gets us our big bat and replaces a very unproductive Cedeno and keeps Murton in LF. It's the most logical choice.

 

There is probably no statistical data to back up my hunch, but I view Soriano in his walk year as equivalent to Adrian Beltre in his walk year. Beltre was fairly mediocre OBP wise with the bat for most of his career, had the huge year in free agency year, got the huge contract in free agency, and well, you know the rest... basically a bust w.r.t. to the dollar value. Maybe Soriano has had better numbers in his first 5 seasons, but I still can't fathom he'd live up to a 5 year $70M deal. Somebody will pay it, but if I were Hendry, I'd steer clear.

[Jehrico]

I don't understand the love for Soriano. His numbers had went into a considerable decline the few years prior to this. His road splits in 2005 when he was still with Texas were about right on par for what I'd expect from Neifi :shock: . His 2004 road splits weren't that much better. His home splits were alright, but Tx is a notorious hitters park. His 3 year averages do not support a strong likelihood of him repeating the kind of offensive performance he put up this year. Yet, you know he's going to be paid solely on his 2006 stats, whoever ends up signing him.

 

If he were still starting in the MIF, he'd be the worst defender in baseball. His defense was atrocious. Washington gave up quite a bit for him, and were willing to let him sit if he wouldn't play OF because he's so bad in the infield.

 

Furthermore, barring us changing our organizational philosophy with regards to OBP and patience, you don't want a player like Soriano on our team. If he has any problems, it is that he is too much of a free swinger and thinks he can put up 50 jacks in a year. He'd be atrocious under someone with the same mentality as Dusty who would only encourage him more. Of course, this is only a detraction if they bring in another desciple from the Baker or Baylor school of hitting.

 

Considering all of that, plus the fact he's already stated that he's determined to go back into the AL once he becomes a FA, I personally wouldn't think twice about it if Hendry doesn't even open up talks with his agent. If we get any interest from Soriano whatsoever, it will only be because he's using us to drive the price up on someone else.

[mg420]

I don't understand the love for Soriano. His numbers had went into a considerable decline the few years prior to this. His road splits in 2005 when he was still with Texas were about right on par for what I'd expect from Neifi :shock: . His 2004 road splits weren't that much better. His home splits were alright, but Tx is a notorious hitters park. His 3 year averages do not support a strong likelihood of him repeating the kind of offensive performance he put up this year. Yet, you know he's going to be paid solely on his 2006 stats, whoever ends up signing him.

 

If he were still starting in the MIF, he'd be the worst defender in baseball. His defense was atrocious. Washington gave up quite a bit for him, and were willing to let him sit if he wouldn't play OF because he's so bad in the infield.

 

Furthermore, barring us changing our organizational philosophy with regards to OBP and patience, you don't want a player like Soriano on our team. If he has any problems, it is that he is too much of a free swinger and thinks he can put up 50 jacks in a year. He'd be atrocious under someone with the same mentality as Dusty who would only encourage him more. Of course, this is only a detraction if they bring in another desciple from the Baker or Baylor school of hitting.

 

Considering all of that, plus the fact he's already stated that he's determined to go back into the AL once he becomes a FA, I personally wouldn't think twice about it if Hendry doesn't even open up talks with his agent. If we get any interest from Soriano whatsoever, it will only be because he's using us to drive the price up on someone else.

 

i agree. let theriot have the job until ep is ready. i really like what i've seen from ryan so far this year. he's not great any anything but he seems to be very solid in every aspect of the game (which cant be said for many other of the cubs players). i'm sure working with ryno next year in spring training would also benefit him.

[Jehrico]

I am so sorry to do this, but I heard this over at Cubs.com. Yes I know the general opinion about that place over here. But someone claimed he said it on fox sports a couple of days ago. Did anyone catch him saying that he thinks it's highly likely Soriano will be a Cub next year?

 

The reason I post this is because Soriano would be my #1 choice because it gets us our big bat and replaces a very unproductive Cedeno and keeps Murton in LF. It's the most logical choice.

 

There is probably no statistical data to back up my hunch, but I view Soriano in his walk year as equivalent to Adrian Beltre in his walk year. Beltre was fairly mediocre OBP wise with the bat for most of his career, had the huge year in free agency year, got the huge contract in free agency, and well, you know the rest... basically a bust w.r.t. to the dollar value. Maybe Soriano has had better numbers in his first 5 seasons, but I still can't fathom he'd live up to a 5 year $70M deal. Somebody will pay it, but if I were Hendry, I'd steer clear.

Slightly OT, but I don't think we'll see anyone who we could compare to Beltre again in a very looong time. He was mediocre OBP wise, but looking at his age, how he was rushed, and the fact that he had that monster year power-wise that last year in LA, there's no good reason that explains his numbers drop in Seattle, which is MUCH friendlier to hitters than LA, which is perhaps one of the top two-or-three pitchers parks in the league.

[CuseCubFan69]

I suppose I should be skepitcal of a lot of hitters until they start testing for HGH.

 

It's a good point to see if Soriano is worth the dollars the Cubs or any team may pay him. If hendry re-signs Ramirez and Pierre I think a player like Soriano may be a neccessity. Durham wouldn't be a bad choice either and he would leave more money to spend on pitching.

[Lefty]

I'm really not gonna count on Hendry doing anything big in the offseason. He'll make a couple of his "moves" and say the Cubs are a contender even though the rest of us know he hasn't done enough to make the Cubs a true contender.

 

I honestly think people who think that are going to be very suprised. After this HORRENDOUS season, it's almost like fate is forcing them to make some big moves. If they do not, there is going to be such a negative light put toward the Cubs and ownership. They will have a "bad name", so to say.

 

It's almost like they have to make a big splash just to make up for this terrible year. I fully expect atleast 1 big signing, and Soraino would be a very good choice, if for 2nd, as said. .

 

That's what I'm afraid of. Hendry will make a big move, but I have no faith that Hendry will make the correct big move.

[Backtobanks]

I still can't see Hendry outbidding others for Soriano. The rumors about his asking price are $75 million over 5 years which I can't see Hendry offering either the money or the years.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I still can't see Hendry outbidding others for Soriano. The rumors about his asking price are $75 million over 5 years which I can't see Hendry offering either the money or the years.

 

Of course, who is going to pay Soriano that kind of money?

 

There's not a lot of teams willing to fork over that amount to anyone. My guess is that he will sign for less simply because he is not a fifteen million dollar player. There are still questions about his defense which will drive his price down.

 

The Yankees could afford him but they have a full OF for next season and seem willing to do with Cano at second.

 

The Angels are the most likely suitor, and maybe they will offer him that much.

 

The Red Sox have Manny in left and aren't likely to pay Soriano that kind of money considering his skills don't really match what they are looking for.

 

The Mets may meet that price, but if they do, would that take them out of the running for Zito?

 

Personally, I think the best Soriano will do is 5/62. The Cubs could afford to meet that price if they go young within the rotation. I'm not sure I want Soriano, but if he were plugged in at second and produced close to what he has this year, his additon alone could help the lack of power in the offense.

[Guest]

which is MUCH friendlier to hitters than LA

 

I don't think that's true jehrico. Seattle is a terrible park for hitters.

 

The real question is whether Soriano can maintain his .084 ISOD. That has driven his obp into acceptable territory. I think he will maintain his power for a couple years. Can he play CF?

[Wheelimus]

I sure can. 5/75 was his ceiling for Beltran, who was also coming off of a career year going into a big contract. Which, coincidentily, here are each lines in said contract year.

 

.267/.367/.548/.915 (Beltran)

.293/.362/.597/.959 (Soriano)

 

No doubt in my mind that Hendry views both equally and will probably think 5/75 is a steal.

[Rob]

I guess an interesting question I haven't seen anybody ask yet is this...

 

"Is Soriano going to demand to play 2B when he signs his contract?"

 

If you'll recall, he threw a huge tantrum when told he was being moved to the outfield. He was a second baseman, and he'd have nothing to do with becoming an outfielder, and so on and so forth.

 

His production has increased since moving to the outfield, though I'm convinced the mitigating factor was the contract year and not the position switch.

 

I guess if he still sees himself as a misplaced second baseman, we could see him demanding to whichever team he signs with that they use him as a second baseman and not an outfielder, if he still feels so strongly. Have there been any indications he's truly happy now that he's made the switch? If not, I'd be a lot more excited about him coming to Chicago.

[Jehrico]

which is MUCH friendlier to hitters than LA

 

I don't think that's true jehrico. Seattle is a terrible park for hitters.

 

The real question is whether Soriano can maintain his .084 ISOD. That has driven his obp into acceptable territory. I think he will maintain his power for a couple years. Can he play CF?

Maybe I exaggerated the difference, but LA is possibly the worst hitters park in the league. I didn't mean to imply Seattle is hitter friendly. You shouldn't expect a drop going from LA to Seattle.

[C.C.]

Everything I've been reading is he's staying in Washington.

[Balsa]

I guess an interesting question I haven't seen anybody ask yet is this...

 

"Is Soriano going to demand to play 2B when he signs his contract?"

 

If you'll recall, he threw a huge tantrum when told he was being moved to the outfield. He was a second baseman, and he'd have nothing to do with becoming an outfielder, and so on and so forth.

 

His production has increased since moving to the outfield, though I'm convinced the mitigating factor was the contract year and not the position switch.

 

I guess if he still sees himself as a misplaced second baseman, we could see him demanding to whichever team he signs with that they use him as a second baseman and not an outfielder, if he still feels so strongly. Have there been any indications he's truly happy now that he's made the switch? If not, I'd be a lot more excited about him coming to Chicago.

 

I agree with this. So lets scale down teams that have the cash, and teams that need a second basement next season.

 

Cubs (might be after 1st class FA pitcher as well)

 

Mets (might be after 1st class FA pitcher as well)

 

Angels (might just keep Kennedy, Scioscia really likes his defense)

 

I'd say the Red Sox, but perusing their Son of Sam Horn website, they don't mention his name often or seriously. Most seem to want Pedroia at 2B, and only mention Soriano as a possible Manny replacement.

 

I agree with Vance about the Yankees being happy with Cano.

 

I wonder if the Blue Jays wouldn't go after him, with the increased payroll this offseason...

[Balsa]

Everything I've been reading is he's staying in Washington.

I would be shocked if Soriano stayed in DC. Shocked.

[fromthestretch]

Angels (might just keep Kennedy, Scioscia really likes his defense)

 

Even if they don't keep Kennedy, they have Kendrick.

[Backtobanks]

Everything I've been reading is he's staying in Washington.

 

He would be crazy not to test the market and get a bidding war going.