December 09, 2005
Stubborn Soriano
Alfonso Soriano does not want to play the outfield:
"I have the same position [on moving] as I always had when I was with Texas," Soriano told the newspaper. "I said that I'm not going to change from second base."
Although he said he hasn't spoken with anyone from the Nationals, Soriano told the Star-Telegram that he believes the club traded for him to play second base.
"I think that if they traded for me, it's to play second base," he told the newspaper.
However, Washington already has a past All-Star at second base in Jose Vidro, though he was hampered by leg problems last season that limited him to 87 games.
Of course, this could be a negotiating strategy. A power hitting second baseman is more valuable than a power hitting leftfielder as Soriano approaches arbitration with the Nationals.
Posted by David Pinto at
03:44 PM
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As if that trade didn't look bad enough already...
Last time I checked, Soriano came up as a shortstop. Also, Washington's SS last year had, if I recall correctly, one of the worst full seasons a hitter has had in the past 40 years or so (until September, when he finally figured out that hitting balls into play is a good thing).
Alfonso also seemed to have an inclination towards shortstop in his younger days.
I'm not the first to think this, am I? Jim Bowden must have had this move in his head.
It would be one thing if Soriano were even a passable defensive second baseman. Heck, put him in center, see if his speed does him any good out there. Tell him he can play there or sit.
The move to shortstop would make some sense. However, it would be a move to a more difficult position, and Soriano wasn't know for his glove work at 2nd.
If Soriano can play a good centerfield, he'd still be a very valuable commodity, as centerfielders who can mash are relatively scarce.
Just what the Nats need-more controversy. With all of the ownership and stadium mess, the team doesn't need any internal grief. People who piss of Frank Robinson don't tend to fare well on his teams. Soriano better lose the attitude or his unhappiness level is guaranteed to rise.
I hope Bud & the other billionaires are enjoying this--
it's all their fault. Alphonso was upset enough when he
had to move from SS to 2B. At that time, it was said
that in the Dominican it's much more prestigious to be
a SS, & that was important to him. By the time he hit
the cover of SI, and either All Star MVP or fan favorite,
whichever it was, he had otherwise become known as
a guy who wouldn't take suggestions the team needed
him to take. Even if he moves to CF, someone has to
get through to this guy.
can't wait until frank robinson gets a hold of him.
soriano is the mike vick of baseball. lots of exciting plays no real consistancy. his teams never win the big one.
:7)