Soriano for Griffey Deal In The Works?

It’s always fun to find trade rumors in Spanish newspapers.  El Nuevo Dia’s latest discusses an Alfonso Soriano for Ken Griffey Jr. trade that is cooking up.  The following is a rough translation (hat tip to Mariloren on the translation!):

The Reds and Nationals have been negotiating the Soriano for Griffey trade over the last few days.  Soriano refused comment when approached by the newspaper.  Details are the proposed transaction are still unknown.  If traded to the Nationals, Griffey would be reunited with former Reds GM Jim Bowden. 

My own commentary: I think the Reds would be the winners in this one.  Griffey is still on the hook for $41.5MM over the next three seasons.  Even if the Reds pick up a third of the cost, they probably come out ahead.  Soriano is a clear upgrade over the current choice to play second base, Tony Womack.  Of course, Ryan Freel might be better than both second basemen, but the Reds seem intent on using him in a supersub role. 

Despite subpar defense for a center fielder, the Nats would surely play Griffey out there.  The loser in the deal would probably be Ryan Church, who could be dealt if Jose Guillen proves healthy.

In other news from the article, Juan Gonzalez is still hungry to return to the Majors and try to reach 500 home runs.

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