Trading Soriano

[Tracer Bullet]

He thought Muskat asked him how old he was 2 years after he signed the contract. Easy mistake.

[JoshiQ]

He thought Muskat asked him how old he was 2 years after he signed the contract. Easy mistake.

 

That's probably it. Has to be.

[ConstableRabbit]

So, Soriano either misspoke or inadvertently let the cat out of the bag...

 

When asked about his advice for Starlin Castro, who is on the verge of inking a big-time, $60 million extension, Alfonso Soriano had a number of great things to say – remember to save some money, stay hungry and passionate about baseball, take care of your family, don’t forget that the tax man takes half, etc.

 

He also said something that immediately struck me as troublesome.

 

“When I signed my contract, I was 32,” Soriano said, according to Carrie Muskat. “I knew what I wanted. Before, during my years of arbitration, I had a lot of ‘friends,’ but my agent and my financial guy were always on top of me. They said, ‘You got the money, more people will come. Don’t be afraid to say no. You didn’t have that friend before – why is the friend now coming?’”

 

The troublesome part, of course, is that, based on his reported birthdate (January 7, 1976), Soriano wasn’t 32 when he signed with the Cubs in November 2006, he was 30. Having already had his age corrected once while in the big leagues, you can understand why the age thing is probably always going to be an issue with Soriano. If he was actually 32 when he signed with the Cubs, rather than 30, his rapid decline would be even easier to understand (and the next two years even more daunting).

 

http://www.bleachernation.com/2012/08/28/alfonso-soriano-says-he-was-32-when-he-signed-with-the-cubs-um-i-hope-not/

Or, just terrible English.

 

As in, "Don't forget, when I signed my contract, I was 30, too".

 

If this were anyone but Muskat, I'd believe the transcription, but she's such a moron I'd have to hear it myself.

[Cubswin11]

Muskat probably wasn't even sure it was Soriano she was interviewing

[PackLandVA]

She looks like Peter Gammons....which is not a good thing for either of them.

[jumbo]

She looks like Peter Gammons....which is not a good thing for either of them.

I never pieced that together, but it is accurate and horrifying.

[pitchcs]

She looks like Peter Gammons....which is not a good thing for either of them.

I never pieced that together, but it is accurate and horrifying.

 

Very true upon further review.

 

I hope Aaron Rodgers drowns in melted cheese.

[jersey cubs fan]

‘‘It’s more important because I’m 36 years old and working, and I don’t feel like I’m 36,’’ he said. ‘‘I want to prove to my teammates and people outside that I may be 36, but I don’t feel like it, and I still can do a lot of things in this game.’’

[Cubswin11]

‘‘It’s more important because I’m 36 years old and working, and I don’t feel like I’m 36,’’ he said. ‘‘I want to prove to my teammates and people outside that I may be 36, but I don’t feel like it, and I still can do a lot of things in this game.’’

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-im_CKn9PPI8/T0dtSJ0lUFI/AAAAAAAAAzY/0vIyQ9SYpt4/s200/abe-simpson-gif.gif

[Little Slide Rooter]

I'm wondering if the Phillies would be a good fit for Soriano, and if they could make a deal, like now. Phillies traded two starting OFs, thinking that they were cooked. They now have an OF consisting of Juan Pierre, John Mayberry, and Domonic Brown. All of the sudden, they're 3 games back for that 2nd WC, and they certainly have the tools that if they did back door their way in with that kind of momentum behind them, they could take it and run all the way to another World Series.

 

Obviously, Soriano coulnd't play in the post season, but they could certainly use another potent bat in that lineup for the stretch, and it's not like he'd be a 3 week rental. With the aging roster they have, and lack of free agent options for next season, Sori could be a good fit in left for them while their window's open.

[davell]

The FA class this offseason sucks, but it's actually solid for the OF. You've got teams choosing from Hamilton, Bourn, Upton, Cabrera, Hunter, Swisher, Victorino, Ross, Hairston, and Pagan. Even with the excellent season, it's not going to be easy to trade him with that many options available. To me, the Yankees, losing Swisher and not having tons of money available, make the most sense. We pay 30 or so, they get a middle of the order type who's played in New York before cheap and have the money saved from losing Swisher and a bit more to throw at pitching.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Hamilton will be very expensive, and most experts have him back to the Rangers. There are some quality options in Bourn, Upton, and Swisher, but the weak FA class is likely to drive up their prices as well. Guys like Hairston, Pagan, and now Melky are more of a threat to Soriano's trade value because they may be coming off great seasons, but don't have the track records to land a multi year deal, and teams looking for something like that are more likely to be interested in trading for most expenses paid Soriano rather than one willing to pay big money for Bourn or Upton. Of course it depends on how much of Soriano's salary our guys are really willing to take on.

[davell]

I listed 10 guys. Soriano evidently wants to play for a contender and has reservations about the West Coast evidently. He'll be 37 next year, so his solid year this season means less, because of the age scare. He won't be easy to deal and get a solid return for, even if we do pay most of the deal.

[SouthSideRyan]

I listed 10 guys. Soriano evidently wants to play for a contender and has reservations about the West Coast evidently. He'll be 37 next year, so his solid year this season means less, because of the age scare. He won't be easy to deal and get a solid return for, even if we do pay most of the deal.

 

Soriano's reservations were about the shitty Bay Area summer weather.

[jersey cubs fan]

I listed 10 guys. Soriano evidently wants to play for a contender and has reservations about the West Coast evidently. He'll be 37 next year, so his solid year this season means less, because of the age scare. He won't be easy to deal and get a solid return for, even if we do pay most of the deal.

 

Soriano's reservations were about the [expletive] Bay Area summer weather.

 

and pittsburgh's pittsburghishness

[davell]

True, but that eliminates San Fran and Oakland. The Dodgers and Angels don't have a need for an OFer, so the West Coast is eliminated entirely. I really think he's a Yankee next year, if he's not a Cub.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

[expletive] it, I love Soriano. I don't mind keeping him since they're gong to suck anyway.

[treebird]

[expletive] it, I love Soriano. I don't mind keeping him since they're gong to suck anyway.

 

i generally agree, though seeing him play so well here does just make me mad that no one would give up anything of worth for him even if they could have him for free.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I listed 10 guys. Soriano evidently wants to play for a contender and has reservations about the West Coast evidently. He'll be 37 next year, so his solid year this season means less, because of the age scare. He won't be easy to deal and get a solid return for, even if we do pay most of the deal.

 

Yes, you did list 10 guys. Of the bunch, Hamilton is elite. Bourn, Upton, and Swisher are very good, but are going to be expensive. You missed Delmon Young, who might belong in this group. From what I hear, Torii Hunter's choices are the Angels or bust. Teams interested in these guys arent likely to be swayed by Soriano's availability. As for the rest, Pagan, Victorino and Ross are all guys that if you're a contender in search for a decent OF bat, they'd be good, reasonably priced options. To a lesser extend, Hairston, though I still see him as more of a 4th OF. Cabrera is in a different class all together. The weak market could still press someone into giving him a 3+ year deal, though nothing close to the 5/60-75 he could have gotten. Then again, he could be looking at a 1 year deal because A. Nobody's willing to give him more or B. a gamble on himself ratherthan taking a longer deal at a lower base salary.

 

Depending on the team, and their needs it's really not out of the question for someone to sign any one of these guys and trade for Soriano. I get [expletive] on for bringing up guys like Michael Taylor and Wade Davis, but these seem to be the types of reclamations that Epstein covets. Domonic Brown and Brian Matusz might not be too far from that catagory. If we could get a guy like that, plus 1-2 lottery tickets, it might be in our best interests to take it and run. Soriano isn't getting any younger, and it could be our last chance to get anything for him. Then again, if they decide that they want to win next year, I'm all for keeping him. IMHO if we keep Garza, and sign another SP as well as Upton, Young, or Swisher, we could very much contend. I also see Ian Stewart as a big X-factor.

[sneakypower]

I get [expletive] on for bringing up guys like Michael Taylor and Wade Davis, but these seem to be the types of reclamations that Epstein covets.

yes, let's try to resurrect the career of that guy with a 2.18 ERA right now

[davell]

Davis has had an excellent year and I figure he'll be available again. I'm still very hesitant to say his stuff would play up for more than an inning at a time, but if Shark made the move, who's to say he can't? At any rate, my guess is anyone trading for him would be looking at him as a starter.

[davell]

I think Upton has probably played himself out of us seriously considering him. Tampa will qualify him and I can't see us losing our second round pick, which'll carry a value of 1.3ish mill right now and be in the very high 30's or low 40's.

 

As for the qualifier, right now, these are the guys I expect to receive it: Hamilton and Greinke are no-brainers obviously. I think Upton is close to one as well at this point. I think Bourn will get one pretty easily and I expect the Yankees to put one on Swisher, who could possibly be stuck, if they dod. A one year commitment to him probably suits the Yanks OK, but I'm not completely sure a team gives up their 1st for him. My guess is yes, but it may take a team who's already lost their 1st to go ahead and just totally punt the draft and sign him as well. Ortiz is a wild card, but if Boston gives him one, he's staying put for sure. Pitching-wise, it's a bit dicier after Greinke. I could see the nats giving one to Edwin, again, a one year commitment probably suits them well and he'd likely be stuck there. I can see Texas giving Dempster one possibly, again, it'd keep him there. Just not sure they on't go in a different direction. Detroit could put one on Sanchez too. Another guy teams may be hesitant to give up their 1st for.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I get [expletive] on for bringing up guys like Michael Taylor and Wade Davis, but these seem to be the types of reclamations that Epstein covets.

yes, let's try to resurrect the career of that guy with a 2.18 ERA right now

 

Would be a good sell high candidate for TB, who seem to be perennially stacked with young pitching.

[23sharks]

I listed 10 guys. Soriano evidently wants to play for a contender and has reservations about the West Coast evidently. He'll be 37 next year, so his solid year this season means less, because of the age scare. He won't be easy to deal and get a solid return for, even if we do pay most of the deal.

 

Yes, you did list 10 guys. Of the bunch, Hamilton is elite. Bourn, Upton, and Swisher are very good, but are going to be expensive. You missed Delmon Young, who might belong in this group. From what I hear, Torii Hunter's choices are the Angels or bust. Teams interested in these guys arent likely to be swayed by Soriano's availability. As for the rest, Pagan, Victorino and Ross are all guys that if you're a contender in search for a decent OF bat, they'd be good, reasonably priced options. To a lesser extend, Hairston, though I still see him as more of a 4th OF. Cabrera is in a different class all together. The weak market could still press someone into giving him a 3+ year deal, though nothing close to the 5/60-75 he could have gotten. Then again, he could be looking at a 1 year deal because A. Nobody's willing to give him more or B. a gamble on himself ratherthan taking a longer deal at a lower base salary.

 

Depending on the team, and their needs it's really not out of the question for someone to sign any one of these guys and trade for Soriano. I get [expletive] on for bringing up guys like Michael Taylor and Wade Davis, but these seem to be the types of reclamations that Epstein covets. Domonic Brown and Brian Matusz might not be too far from that catagory. If we could get a guy like that, plus 1-2 lottery tickets, it might be in our best interests to take it and run. Soriano isn't getting any younger, and it could be our last chance to get anything for him. Then again, if they decide that they want to win next year, I'm all for keeping him. IMHO if we keep Garza, and sign another SP as well as Upton, Young, or Swisher, we could very much contend. I also see Ian Stewart as a big X-factor.

 

 

Do you really think the Cubs can contend if they sign just 1 starting pitcher and 1 of the hitters you mentioned?? I think they are more like 5 or 6 good players away from contending. I've seen enough of Ian Stewart to know that I don't need to see any more of him.....

[Little Slide Rooter]

I listed 10 guys. Soriano evidently wants to play for a contender and has reservations about the West Coast evidently. He'll be 37 next year, so his solid year this season means less, because of the age scare. He won't be easy to deal and get a solid return for, even if we do pay most of the deal.

 

Yes, you did list 10 guys. Of the bunch, Hamilton is elite. Bourn, Upton, and Swisher are very good, but are going to be expensive. You missed Delmon Young, who might belong in this group. From what I hear, Torii Hunter's choices are the Angels or bust. Teams interested in these guys arent likely to be swayed by Soriano's availability. As for the rest, Pagan, Victorino and Ross are all guys that if you're a contender in search for a decent OF bat, they'd be good, reasonably priced options. To a lesser extend, Hairston, though I still see him as more of a 4th OF. Cabrera is in a different class all together. The weak market could still press someone into giving him a 3+ year deal, though nothing close to the 5/60-75 he could have gotten. Then again, he could be looking at a 1 year deal because A. Nobody's willing to give him more or B. a gamble on himself ratherthan taking a longer deal at a lower base salary.

 

Depending on the team, and their needs it's really not out of the question for someone to sign any one of these guys and trade for Soriano. I get [expletive] on for bringing up guys like Michael Taylor and Wade Davis, but these seem to be the types of reclamations that Epstein covets. Domonic Brown and Brian Matusz might not be too far from that catagory. If we could get a guy like that, plus 1-2 lottery tickets, it might be in our best interests to take it and run. Soriano isn't getting any younger, and it could be our last chance to get anything for him. Then again, if they decide that they want to win next year, I'm all for keeping him. IMHO if we keep Garza, and sign another SP as well as Upton, Young, or Swisher, we could very much contend. I also see Ian Stewart as a big X-factor.

 

 

Do you really think the Cubs can contend if they sign just 1 starting pitcher and 1 of the hitters you mentioned?? I think they are more like 5 or 6 good players away from contending. I've seen enough of Ian Stewart to know that I don't need to see any more of him.....

 

I really want to see 1 more year of Ian Stewart assuming that his wrist heals. The rotation of Garza, Shark, 1 of the FAs, Wood, Volstad/filler/reclamation/Vizcaino in a perfect but unrealistc world may not be 90s Braves, but it's as good as any in the division. As for the lineup, basically, it would be full of X Factors from top to bottom. 1. DeJesus or Jackson, 2. Castro 3. Rizzo 4. Soriano 5. Upton/Young/Cabrera 6. Castillo 7. Vitters or Stewart 8. Barney could be very good, very bad, or anywhere in between. We could certainly use a better 4 hitter, but I think they'd have a shot, though full of X Factors. And to be honest, if all we'd get for Soriano and Marmol, even with eating the bulk of their salaries is a handful of fringe prospects and big league filler, I'd much rather go with that lineup. If we're contending in July, you never know what will become available via trade.