The biggest most glamorous name on the free agent market this winter is Alfonso Soriano. He's fast, he hits for power, and isn't the defensive liability he used to be (switching from second base to left field can do that for you), and like any self-respecting athlete, he had his best season right before hitting the market.
Our very own Philadelphia Phillies have been rumored to be interested in Soriano. But before you get your hopes up, take a few deep breaths. Because, he isn't coming here. And for the most part, you should be glad.
One of the reasons the Phillies have found themselves in a bind in recent years to tinker with the roster is the number of lengthy and rigid contracts the team had in it's ledger books. Already leary of such deals before even becoming the Phillies general manager nearly a year ago, Gillick is probably even more loathe to hand one out now.
Especially to a player who has a questionable work ethic/attitude and strikes out a lot.
Wolf has a pre-injury history of good K/BB ratios and above average ERA's. Matthews is a switch hitter who is coming off a career year [double edged sword?] and consistently plays good defense with above average OPS at the plate.
Soriano is going to want the works. He's going to want a five or six year deal, he's going to want a no trade clause, and he is going to want a ton of money. Believe it or not, the Phillies could probably come up with the trump to make the last of those three work. However, the first two are probably deal breakers. They offer very little flexibility to the club down the road should plans change.
That isn't to say that Gillick shouldn't kick Soriano's tires. As a matter of fact, he should negotiate quite heavily with the fleet-footed slugger. Make him a good solid offer. And drive up the price for the Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox. Make it real hard for them to get Soriano, make them pay more than they wanted.
So when you hear a "Phillies are interested in Soriano" rumor, enjoy it, because Gillick is doing his job, but just not for the reasons you might initially think.
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Update: Randy Miller of the Courier-Times has learned that the Phillies are going to offer Soriano "$75 million over five seasons", but makes no mention of the no-trade clause Soriano will certainly seek. Meanwhile, the Post reports Soriano has told the Bal'more Orioles he is seeking more like "a deal similar to the seven-year, $119 million deal given to center fielder Carlos Beltran by the New York Mets before the 2005 season."
Eeeeexcellent, Smithers.
