Soriano rumor....

[Brian]

doesn't matter where you want to put him, Hendry won't sign him. he's going to get at least Beltran money and years.

 

He just got 40HR/40SB, 4th person ever.

[MPrior]

I don't know if he's going to get Beltran money, but he's definitely going to cost a pretty penny, and I also doubt that Hendry will fork over the necessary funds - however, if there's one big name FA on the market this offseason that I think we should land, it's Soriano.

 

As far as where I'd put him, I'd love it if he could (and would) play CF, but I think the more likely scenario is back at 2B. There's no way I'd even consider paying for him if he was going to be in LF, as his value is much lower there, he's almost definitely not going to put up another season like this one, and he would cut down on Murton's playing time, which would be a crying shame.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think Soriano will get big money, but I don't think he'll get the money a lot of people expect. My guess is it will be 5/60 or 5/64.

 

There's not a lot of teams that can spend that kind of money.

 

The Yankees won't have interest. Their OF is full and they have Cano at second.

 

I don't see the Red Sox spending for him either.

 

The Mets are the most likely, but they are already paying a lot of money to Pedro, Beltran, and Delgado. If they puruse a FA like Zito, they may not be able to give Zito 5/60 and then give Soriano that same amount.

 

The Rangers won't pursue him.

 

The Nationals will go after him, but I don't see them offering more than 12 million a year.

 

The Angels could go after him, but with Kendrick at 2b, they'll be looking at him for the OF. If Soriano is set on playing second, that could be a factor.

 

I wouldn't rule out the Dodgers either.

 

That being said, there's a wealth of FA secondbasemen hitting the market, so teams may not get desperate for him. He'll get a big payday, but it may not be as big as many think.

[Soriano12]

Lets say team its down to 2 teams for Soriono..Team A & Team B

 

Team A is offering 5 million more..but wants him in LF

 

Team B has offered him the starting 2B job.

 

 

Which one would he choose? I'm hearing he really wants to get back

in the infield.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Lets say team its down to 2 teams for Soriono..Team A & Team B

 

Team A is offering 5 million more..but wants him in LF

 

Team B has offered him the starting 2B job.

 

 

Which one would he choose? I'm hearing he really wants to get back

in the infield.

 

I have no idea. But my guess is that where he wants to play will be a factor.

[Soriano12]

If the Cubs are gonna go with Izturis at SS and D. Lee at 1B, I really

think they could get away with his defense(or lack there of).

 

 

When Soriono did play 2B what made him so bad there?

 

Muffing grounders? Bad throws? Bad excution on double plays? Poor range?

[Guest]

honestly, I think it may have been lack of concentration. isn't he kind of tall for a 2b too? He just looked terrible playing there - its not lack of physical skills though. I honestly think his skills would be outstanding in CF but I realize thats a longshot.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

For fielding position players, the Cubs #1A and #1B priorities this offseason (must do one or the other) are:

 

1A. Sign Soriano, or

1B. Trade for Tejada.

 

Either guy solves the Cubs' desperate need for a productive bat in the 5 spot to support Lee and Ramirez. Put Murton at 2, Barrett and Jones at 6 and 7 (either order), put Izturis/Theriot at 8.

 

Now all you need is a high OBP guy for leadoff not named Juan Pierre, and said guy can be either a CF (preferably) or possibly a RF (move Jones to CF). Let's say that guy is someone like Ryan Freel perhaps. What's wrong with this lineup, other than the lack of LH hitters?

 

1. Freel

2. Murton

3. Lee

4. Ramirez

5. Tejada/Soriano

6. Barrett/Jones

7. Jones/Barett

8. Izturis/Theriot

 

Bring back Hank as the backup catcher, Pagan as the spare OF, Izturis/Theriot is the backup middle IF. All you need is a lefty pinch hitter that can play some 3B, and a power hitter for the bench that can play some 1B (Restovich?)

 

Bullpen should be good so long as Dempster is moved out of the closer's role. Sign Zito and the Cubs would look strong for 2007. All it would take is writing two big checks to Soriano and Zito, and a modest trade for someone like Freel.

 

And also note--if Pierre is let go, that's an extra $6.5MM in the Cubs' pocket to go towards Soriano and Zito. With $5MM in Maddux minus Izturis money, $10MM in Wood minus his buyout money, $3MM from Williamson and Miller, and Neifi's $3MM is back in the pot too. Tell me how we cannot afford both Zito AND Soriano? We HAVE the money.

[CubinNY]

I would have no problem with Alph at 2nd next year and beyond. How many runs would he cost the Cubs at second for an entire season? Maybe 10 or 12? I don't really know. His defense is not that bad to warrent losing any sleep if he puts up similar numbers for the length of his contract.

 

What I worry about is his age, the length of contract, and the dollar amount.

 

BTW, I put zero stock in this rumor.

[dvdd127]

It would be nice to get Soriano or Tejada.. if we do... this would be my lineup

 

Pierre

Soriano/Tejada

Lee

Ramirez

Cedeno/Theriot

Barrett

Jones/Murton

Izturis/Cedeno

 

And if we get Soriano... I say play him in left.

[MPrior]

BTW, I put zero stock in this rumor.

 

Ditto. It's still fun to speculate, though.

[soccer10k]

I don't think he'll get either Beltran money or years. I think Vance's prediction of 5/60-65 sounds about right.

 

Since it's unlikely we unload Jones, I'm pencilling him in for RF for next year. I don't want to move Murton and think he will develop some more power so he's in LF. Put Soriano at 2B and you have a solid lineup.

 

I also think Hendry will resign Pierre as well to play center and bat leadoff. Not that it's right, but I think that's what he will do.

[muntjack]

I think Hendry will shy away from the long-term contract. If we offer 2nd base and a mutual option after two or three years, it might work for both parties.

 

I think we may be in the market for a RF, considering how bad Jones has been throwing and running the bases, and the fact that Murton has played very well in what is essentially his rookie season.

 

My personal favorite scenario would be sending Jones, Veal, Cedeno and Marshall to Pittsburgh for Jason Bay. Sign Soriano, and let the rotation work itself out. If we need a pitcher in July, we go get one.

 

Pierre

Murton

Lee

Ramirez

Bay

Soriano

Barrett

Izturis

 

Zambrano

Hill

Prior

Guzman

Mateo/Miller

 

Edit: Rethinking/Dreaming, I wonder if that package would come close to being enough for Cabrera? Pie instead of Jones, and Murton instead of Cedeno? I don't see how Florida could turn it down. The Fish would then have enough starters that the could trade Dontrelle and still have a great, young team.

 

The trade would be- Pie, Murton, Veal and Marshall for Miguel Cabrera. That's our top two prospects and two young players with some success at the major league level. Certainly they'd have to consider it. And I'd do it of course, considering Cabrera is the 2nd best hitter in baseball at 23. Just fantasizing, here.

[Backtobanks]

I would have no problem with Alph at 2nd next year and beyond. How many runs would he cost the Cubs at second for an entire season? Maybe 10 or 12? I don't really know. His defense is not that bad to warrent losing any sleep if he puts up similar numbers for the length of his contract.

 

What I worry about is his age, the length of contract, and the dollar amount.

 

BTW, I put zero stock in this rumor.

 

I have trouble seeing the Cubs outbidding other teams for Soriano. Personally, I think there are other ways to solve the Cubs' problems. A trade for Andruw Jones and signing 2 cheaper FA (Durham and Craig Wilson) would add a ton of power to the lineup. Also, signing Schmidt or trading for a dependable #2 or #3 starter would be a great move. I think trading chips could/should include Dempster, Cedeno, Novoa, Guzman, other young pitchers.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I think Hendry will shy away from the long-term contract. If we offer 2nd base and a mutual option after two or three years, it might work for both parties.

 

I think we may be in the market for a RF, considering how bad Jones has been throwing and running the bases, and the fact that Murton has played very well in what is essentially his rookie season.

 

My personal favorite scenario would be sending Jones, Veal, Cedeno and Marshall to Pittsburgh for Jason Bay. Sign Soriano, and let the rotation work itself out. If we need a pitcher in July, we go get one.

 

Pierre

Murton

Lee

Ramirez

Bay

Soriano

Barrett

Izturis

 

Zambrano

Hill

Prior

Guzman

Mateo/Miller

 

Edit: Rethinking/Dreaming, I wonder if that package would come close to being enough for Cabrera? Pie instead of Jones, and Murton instead of Cedeno? I don't see how Florida could turn it down. The Fish would then have enough starters that the could trade Dontrelle and still have a great, young team.

 

The trade would be- Pie, Murton, Veal and Marshall for Miguel Cabrera. That's our top two prospects and two young players with some success at the major league level. Certainly they'd have to consider it. And I'd do it of course, considering Cabrera is the 2nd best hitter in baseball at 23. Just fantasizing, here.

 

I'd like Bay too, but I don't believe Pittsburgh has any interest in moving him. They have him signed to an affordable contract for the forseeable future.

 

Pie, Murton, Veal, and Marshall might be enough for Cabrera if the Fish shop him and don't get a better offer elsewhere.

[rawaction]

Just a couple things.

 

Someone mentioned something the other day I thought was an excellent point. Hendry offered Beltran 5/$75M (I believe) and said that is high as he would go. I think the same offer would be there for Soriano, who other than OBP, which we know Hendry doesn't look at, has very similar numbers to Beltran after the 2004 season. I think that could possibly get it done, depending on the 2 LA teams. I can see the difference being the position he is playing. Angels have Kendrick at 2B. Dodgers have Kent leaving, but I see them going after a 3B and putting Betemit at 2B. Either way, I see Soriano playing OF for those 2.

 

Also, just a minor thing, but I don't know who will be managing next year, but I'm guarantee that Soriano will be a top of the order hitter. If Pierre is back, Soriano will hit 2nd. If not, he will hit 1st. He has hit 1-2 the majority of his career, and I don't see that changing. If the manager is in the Hendry mold, I see him hitting 3rd before he is way down at 5. If he maintains his BB/PA, I'd have no problem with that.

 

Speaking of his BB/PA. It scares me because it's much better than it has ever been. Jacque Jones did that last year and completely stopped in 06. The Cubs can't afford Soriano to re-lapse like Jacque and waste a .280-.300 BA season by having a .320's OBP.

 

Lastly, I would love if Soriano could play CF. That would be great. If that didn't work, I'd like Jones in CF with Soriano in RF. I'd much rather have a CF/2B combo of Soriano/Loretta or Durham than Pierre/Soriano. Add Pierre (and Izturis) in the group that I mentioned earlier that could waste a good BA season by not taking walks. You'd have a team all hitting over .280, who all not named Lee or Murton would have the capability of less than .065 BB/PA.

[erik316wttn]

Wow.

 

I didn't realize that Soriano has walked over 60 times this year, almost doubling his previous career high.

 

He's got an isolated patience over .70. If he could keep that up next year, I could live with him. And I'll take anyone at 2B over RonCe.

 

Go get him!

 

I had the exact same reaction when I looked up his stats. his power is up as well likely as a consequence.

 

Do you really think this newfound patience would continue in this organization, though?

[RockTheIvy]

Wow.

 

I didn't realize that Soriano has walked over 60 times this year, almost doubling his previous career high.

 

He's got an isolated patience over .70. If he could keep that up next year, I could live with him. And I'll take anyone at 2B over RonCe.

 

Go get him!

 

I had the exact same reaction when I looked up his stats. his power is up as well likely as a consequence.

 

Do you really think this newfound patience would continue in this organization, though?

 

Sans Dusty? Perhaps.

 

I don't think Hendry is as anti-OBP as Dusty is.

[RichHillIsABeast]

If the Cubs are gonna go with Izturis at SS and D. Lee at 1B, I really

think they could get away with his defense(or lack there of).

 

 

When Soriono did play 2B what made him so bad there?

 

Muffing grounders? Bad throws? Bad excution on double plays? Poor range?

 

How can you say we can get away with his defense if you don't even know what his defensive problems are? :?

[Twiggy]

I'd take soriano and play him 2nd in a heartbeat.

[CuseCubFan69]

Just a couple things.

 

Someone mentioned something the other day I thought was an excellent point. Hendry offered Beltran 5/$75M (I believe) and said that is high as he would go. I think the same offer would be there for Soriano, who other than OBP, which we know Hendry doesn't look at, has very similar numbers to Beltran after the 2004 season. I think that could possibly get it done, depending on the 2 LA teams. I can see the difference being the position he is playing. Angels have Kendrick at 2B. Dodgers have Kent leaving, but I see them going after a 3B and putting Betemit at 2B. Either way, I see Soriano playing OF for those 2.

 

Also, just a minor thing, but I don't know who will be managing next year, but I'm guarantee that Soriano will be a top of the order hitter. If Pierre is back, Soriano will hit 2nd. If not, he will hit 1st. He has hit 1-2 the majority of his career, and I don't see that changing. If the manager is in the Hendry mold, I see him hitting 3rd before he is way down at 5. If he maintains his BB/PA, I'd have no problem with that.

 

Speaking of his BB/PA. It scares me because it's much better than it has ever been. Jacque Jones did that last year and completely stopped in 06. The Cubs can't afford Soriano to re-lapse like Jacque and waste a .280-.300 BA season by having a .320's OBP.

 

Lastly, I would love if Soriano could play CF. That would be great. If that didn't work, I'd like Jones in CF with Soriano in RF. I'd much rather have a CF/2B combo of Soriano/Loretta or Durham than Pierre/Soriano. Add Pierre (and Izturis) in the group that I mentioned earlier that could waste a good BA season by not taking walks. You'd have a team all hitting over .280, who all not named Lee or Murton would have the capability of less than .065 BB/PA.

 

Have you seen him play LF? I haven't and I was wondering how he handled it.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Soriano is also known as a lead-off hitter. Personally, I feel a team is wasting his SLG and his OBP is not ideal for lead-off, but many teams see him as just that.

 

If Hendry signs Soriano, he may feel he has his lead-off hitter and go in another direction at CF instead of Pierre.

 

As much as I despise him, what if Hendry were able to get Sori for 2b and then Edmonds for CF.

 

2b Soriano

LF Murton

1b Lee

CF Edmonds

3b Ramirez

RF Jones

C Barrett

SS Izturis

 

That would be quite a potent line-up provided Edmonds is over his concussion problems.

[Sammy Sofa]

I don't think it would be too difficult to move him to #2 instead.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Soriano should hit 5th if he was on the Cubs, period. He drives the ball too much to be wasted near the top of the order. He steals bases, fine--let him steal them from the 5 spot. Michael Barrett and Jock Jones will thank him for the RBI opportunities.

 

No, it is much MORE important to have Soriano's bat protecting Ramirez. Not that I have any delusions the Cubs will actually acquire Fonzie, but it's fun to think it out.

[Balsa]

Soriano should hit 5th if he was on the Cubs, period. He drives the ball too much to be wasted near the top of the order. He steals bases, fine--let him steal them from the 5 spot. Michael Barrett and Jock Jones will thank him for the RBI opportunities.

 

No, it is much MORE important to have Soriano's bat protecting Ramirez. Not that I have any delusions the Cubs will actually acquire Fonzie, but it's fun to think it out.

I agree 100%. It's a waste of his slugging power to have him bat leadoff. Especially if his BB/PA reverts, we want that power lower in the lineup.