The last big move for the Phillies this off-season is to get themselves a corner outfielder. With most of the big names and some small ones (Cody Ross) off the board, the Phillies have one option left, Alfonso Soriano. The $20 million outfielder who the Cubs have been shopping around would be a perfect fit for the Phillies. Last season Soriano belted 32 home runs and knocked in 108 while batting .262. Very good numbers for batting fifth and protecting Ryan Howard. With the start for spring training getting closer and the choices becoming less, the price for Soriano will not get cheaper.
Early in the off-season it was said that the Cubs would pick up nearly $14 million of Soriano’s contract which still is possible but the price is not getting any cheaper. The Phillies in early December were said to be offering Brown in exchange for Soriano. The move will also send Darin Ruff back to the minors which if it were up to the fans he would remain in the big leagues, unless the Phillies put Soriano in right.
A little over a month until pitchers and catchers, Soriano or Ruff is the last question to be answered by Ruben Amaro. If we believe the silence in trade rumors Ruff is the guy and Amaro has 25 home runs penciled into his lineup. Believing in the Phillies wanting to take another legitimate shot at the NL East title, Soriano is the guy. Proven in the big leagues he can hit home runs, knock in runs and in 150 games in the outfield last season, ONE ERROR. The salary and what the Cubs pick up the only reason not to make the trade. Dreaming? I like Soriano and like him even more in right field. Keeping Ruff in left (with 25 home runs?), Soriano and 30 home runs make the Phillies a legitimate contender.
Moving utley to 2nd in the order and young to 3rd ,howard,soriano,ruf etc. this will also help against teams that have loaded up with left handed relievers against the phils. This lineup could be great. time is getting short on the window of opportunity. I believe its worth a shot. 50 year phillie fan. give me a chance to cheer , come rubin make it happen.