The theory that once you leave, you can’t go back home again will be tested in New York, as the Yankees completed the long rumored trade with the Chicago Cubs to reacquire outfielder Alfonso Soriano. The move returns Soriano to New York, where he played for the Yankees from 1999 to 2003 before signing with the Texas Rangers as a free agent. Soriano was originally a second baseman, but has transitioned into an outfielder since leaving the Yankees.
“We’ve obviously been trying to improve our offence this season, to no avail,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “By far, he was the best available bat to date.”
In exchange the Cubs receive Class-A pitching prospect Corey Black. They have also agreed to pay $17.7 million of the $24.5 million remaining on the 37-year-old Soriano’s contract, which runs through the end of the 2014 season. Soriano waived his no trade clause to allow the deal to be completed.
“He’s going to a place that is obviously one of the better stadiums, and he’s been there before and has performed in that atmosphere before,” Cubs manager Dale Sveum said Thursday. “Obviously, they’ve had a lot of injuries, and he’s the guy who can fill that void as (a designated hitter) and in left field.
“He’s put together a pretty good run. Last year at 36 years old, he hit 32 (homers) and drove in 108. That’s a legacy in itself. He’s a guy who when he’s on the field, he’s lived up to his media guide, so to speak, besides the stolen bases he’s had in his career early.”
The Yankees who have lost Mark Teixeira, Kevin Youkilis, Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez all for long periods of time this season due to injuries, are desperately looking for some help at the plate. Soriano provides some power, as he is batting .254 with 17 home runs and 51 RBIs so far this season. He has been especially hot of late as he has hit eight home runs in the month of July.
“If we are able to add him, it’s definitely a great thing,” said Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson, who is rehabbing in Tampa, Fla, when asked about the deal that was still in its rumored stages..
“Plus, he’s played there before. That’s one thing that is a difficult thing to adjust to. You’ve got to come to New York and can you handle it, can you not.
“Obviously he had in the past, so if it is 100 percent it will definitely be a good thing for us. He has flexibility to move around wherever we would need to have him. If it is, it will be exciting.”
Soriano will join the Yankees in time for their game tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays where he is expected to bat fourth in the lineup.
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