Alfonso Soriano might be back in pinstripes for his second stint, as the Bombers and the Chicago Cubs as rumors have the two sides working on a deal. Alfonso Soriano, the infielder/outfielder, not Rafael Soriano, the closer, would be back in New York if a deal is finalized and the slugger agrees to the trade. How would Soriano give the Yankees a lift? Believe it or not, at 37 years of age, Soriano could provide insurance for the Bombers.
First off, Soriano is red hot. As Ken Rosenthal mentions in his piece explaining the possible deal, in the past 20 games, Soriano has 10 home runs with 21 RBI, a .296 batting average accompanied by a 1.066 OPS. Those are whopping numbers, especially considering what the Yankees have received from their outfielders this season.
Like Matt Garza, Soriano is playing well at the right time. Now, because of his production over the span of two months of the season, he has a chance to return to the organization that saw him rise to superstardom. Becoming a Yankee also means a chance to play in the postseason. There shouldn't be pressure on Soriano though. He knows what it means to play in New York and knows the organization is serious, not only about making postseason appearances, but the ultimate goal of winning championships.
Yankees Insurance
The acquisition of Soriano will displace left fielder Vernon Wells. However, Wells is swinging a hot bat, hitting safely in 10 of the last 15 games. If Alex Rodriguez does not return this season as another superstar was already suspended for his use of PED's, then the Yankees can plug Wells into their lineup as the designated hitter. Ichiro would also be allowed to rest from playing the outfield and take some hacks from the DH spot when the Yankees play right handers.
Protection
Robinson Cano is the Yankees' best hitter this year, that's a given. Cano can have a greater impact with protection in the lineup. Acquiring Soriano would give the Yankees a solid cleanup hitter. His ability to hit for power will force pitchers to throw strikes to Cano. Curtis Granderson's arrival from the disabled list will then impact the way Soriano is pitched. Suddenly, the Yankees would have a decent heart of the order that can once again put the 'bomb' back in Bombers.
Money Talks
Soriano earned himself a fat payday with the Cubs in 2006. Dumping Soriano from the team has been on Theo Epstein's bucketlist since he took the helm as GM in Chicago. The left fielder is owed just about $25 million through the conclusion of his contract, which expires next season. The Yankees hope the Cubs can eat a chunk of the salary, similar to how the Los Angeles Angels paid a hefty portion of Wells' contract.
Can Soriano Help the Yanks' Playoff Hopes?
Realistically, the Yankees are too injured in 2013. Derek Jeter, who is the heart and soul of the team, is back on the shelf and they don't have the appropriate prospects ready to make an impact at the major league level. The Yankee pitching has done its job carrying the load, but the offense is too weak. However, acquiring Soriano, though his defense isn't the greatest, would be a step in the right direction, if not for this season, then at least in 2014.
