Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Does Soriano fit in the Bronx?
By Jason A. Churchill
With Curtis Granderson expected to miss around six weeks of the regular season there has been some buzz about whether or not the New York Yankees could make a deal for Alfonso Soriano. He can still hit some and bats right-handed, potentially helping he lineup balance and the former Yankees slugger, who has a no-trade clause, says he's open to playing in the Bronx.
My questions is: Does Soriano fit? Soriano is owed $36 million over the next two years and it seems unlikely the Chicago Cubs would cover anywhere near all of it no matter what the trade return and the Yankees are focused on staying under the luxury tax threshold for 2014 so they can take advantage of a kickback.
Even if the salary could be worked out, Soriano's perceived defensive deficiencies may not be ideal for the Yankees. But the 37-year-old, oddly enough, is coming off three straight strong years in left field, according to Fangraphs' UZR/150, suggesting he's figured out left field and might actually be undervalued overall as a result.
The contract appears to be the biggest obstacle, and the Yankees may have other options, especially considering they really only have a true need for an everyday type player for a month or two. They could show interest in potential roster casualties Casper Wells, Eric Thames, Ezequiel Carrera or Jarrod Dyson, all of whom come without the big contract.
