Astros Offer Deals to Lee and Soriano
The Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros have offered multi-year deals to Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee. Houston has been viewed by many as the frontrunner for El Caballo, but I hadn’t heard anything about their interest in Soriano.
The article also notes that the Astros "are in serious discussions" with Woody Williams. I suppose if they aren’t counting on getting Roger Clemens back for another year, they may feel the need to add a different 40 year old in the rotation.
By Jeff Sackmann
Phils Make Offer To Soriano?
According to Jim Street of MLB.com, the Phillies have made a five-year, $73MM offer to Alfonso Soriano. Unfortunately, Street was quoting a Philadelphia Daily News article from today that I could not find. Not sure what to make of it right now.
Here is a link to the Phillies section of that newspaper. I’ve emailed Street in hopes of clarification.
Regardless, I think it’s safe to say that Sori will do better than that.
Padres Interested In Soriano?
There’s a link going around to NBC San Diego’s website. I’m not sure exactly who authored this one, but here’s the quote:
"A source inside the Padres organization said the team feels very confident they’ll sign Alfonso Soriano when the free agent signing period begins, NBC 7/39 reported."
And why not? The Padres have what, $30MM to spend?
Alfonso Soriano To Cards Rumor False
I’ve been getting a lot of emails about this rumor, which indicates that Alfonso Soriano has agreed in principle to a deal with the Cardinals for seven years and $77MM.
MLB4U.com is a cool website and that’s where this one started. However, the site allows users to post rumors and this is one such example. The link provided there does not go to a story about Soriano or even the correct newspaper.
Plus, a quick gut check says that this one does not make sense. Soriano’s agent was recently talking about a contract some $40MM higher than that amount. I don’t know why Soriano would take a deal that averaged just $11MM annually or why he would agree to a deal so quickly. I think it is safe to say that this rumor is false.
Soriano Rejects 5/$70MM Offer From Nats
Here’s a link to a Sportsline story quoting Listin Diaro, the oldest daily newspaper of the Dominican Republic. The news: Alfonso Soriano has rejected a five-year, $70MM offer from the Nationals. Here’s the original article for those fluent in Spanish. It appears that the Listin Diaro article is quoting a Mexican radio station that interviewed assistant GM Jose Rijo.
So the initial bar on Soriano has been set: he’ll require more than $14MM annually. That’s not going to end well. In fact, I’m not sure he’ll be worth it in year 1.
Soriano’s rejection of the offer will at least stop the Nats from compounding their own error. Jim Bowden failed to trade Soriano at the deadline, but signing him for five years wouldn’t have righted that wrong.
UPDATE: So much for everything I just said in this post – Rijo and Nats president Stan Kasten just denied this report.
Alfonso Soriano Stays Put
In the most surprising non-trade of the afternoon, the Nationals have retained Alfonso Soriano. Will the two sides be able to hammer out a long-term contract extension, or will the Nats just have to take a couple of draft picks for their left fielder?
It’ll be interesting to hear how the team spins this one. Right now it’s hard to see how this was the right choice.
Carroll On Twins’ Last Minute Soriano Discussions
"The Twins are in rapid-fire discussions with the Nationals regarding Alfonso Soriano. The offers center around pitching, with Matt Garza and Scott Baker the keys. The Twins offered Jason Kubel in the deal in lieu of Garza, but were rebuffed. I’m told that the Twins have informed Torii Hunter that he’s being offered around; his option, if declined, would help "pay for" Soriano."
We should know within minutes what Jim Bowden ultimately settles for with Soriano. My guess is that the Twins would rather stand pat than part with Garza. I think Kubel and Baker would be a decent, Major League ready bounty for the impending free agent.
Stark: A’s Making Run At Soriano
With three hours and change left to go, add Oakland to the list of teams interested in Alfonso Soriano. Jayson Stark’s latest also indicates that the Twins are "all over the Soriano scene."
Soriano doesn’t work the count, but he adds slugging. The A’s are last in the league with a woeful .393 SLG. Hasn’t been any better in July, either – they’re at .375 this month.
Red Sox Trade Rumors
It’s tough to get anything out of Boston these days; Theo Epstein has plugged all of his leaks. Let’s see what we can piece together though.
According to Sean McAdams of The Providence Journal:
"Friends of the Rocket insist he’s sorry that he chose the Astros over the Red Sox." McAdams mentions that Clemens would love a trade to Boston if it could be done without infuriating the Houston fanbase. Also, a source of mine tells me that the Mets have inquired about Clemens.
Then there’s the possible three-way trade with the Rockies and Padres. The Padres would get Mike Lowell, the Red Sox would get Ryan Shealy and a starter, and who knows what the Rockies would get.
Don’t get that rumor confused with the other three-team scenario from Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe. In that case, the Red Sox get Julio Lugo and Scott Linebrink, the Padres get Mike Lowell, and the D-Rays get prospects.
Plus, Jayson Stark mentioned last night that the Red Sox are "making a late run at Alfonso Soriano." He doesn’t have much more than that, but it can’t be dismissed. Stark has also connected Boston to Jason Schmidt and Brad Lidge.
Washington Post: Marlins In On Soriano
Less than fifteen hours to go, and things are getting crazy.
Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post reports that the Marlins, yes, the Marlins, have made a bid for Alfonso Soriano. Apparently they have offered pitchers Yusmeiro Petit, Renyel Pinto, and Jason Vargas. That’s not a bad bounty, though it lacks a future star type guy.
I was surprised to discover this afternoon that the Marlins actually lead the NL in starter ERA. Scott Olsen‘s been lights out since June 1st, one of the best in baseball. Dontrelle Willis has been a touch above average. Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco have far exceeded expectations.
The Fish are eighth in the NL in slugging, so Soriano would provide a nice boost. Where would they fit him in? Center field?
If the Marlins miraculously sneak into the playoffs, it’ll make a fantastic story. Remember back in December, when most people thought this would be a 100-loss team? I liked the front part of their lineup, but no one expected this kind of starting pitching.