I previously stated back in July that we shouldn't trade Soriano if it meant absorbing most of his contract. I stated in my last post that I was happy the Cubs didn't trade him at the deadline because we would get more value for him in the offseason.
Right on both accounts.
Only 5 players rank ahead of him in home runs in the NL and only 3 are ahead of him in RBI in the NL. No one who's primary place is as a DH has better numbers.
Yes, I know it's just one season, but it's the whole season. This year Soriano has been less streaky, better defensively, and just overall a much improved player. I'm calling for everyone out there to let the past years go and judge Soriano on how he played for us this year.
But we're rebuilding, right? Like I said in an earlier post, I think having a veteran presence for the "kids" coming up is a good thing. But this leaves a big problem: only one outfield spot for their up-and-coming players. For this reason, I really believe DeJesus has to go. But I don't see that as likely. I think the Cubs will capitalize on Soriano's good season and deal him.
If they do, I'm fine with it, as long as they get good value for him. If we can get at least one highly regarded pitching prospect and not have to absorb ANY of his contract, I'd be fine with that.
It's time MLB teams wake up and stop undervaluing Soriano, stop acting like you'd be doing the Cubs a favor by taking him off our hands. If you want him, and you should, we're doing YOU a favor.
