New Deal for Soriano

[SaltwaterChaffy]

From the AP

Associated Press
ARLINGTON, Texas -- All-Star second baseman Alfonso Soriano and the Texas Rangers agreed Monday to a one-year, $7.5 million contract -- a raise of $2.1 million -- to avoid salary arbitration.

Soriano came to the Rangers in last February's trade that sent Alex Rodriguez to the New York Yankees. He hit .280 with 28 homers and 91 RBI last year before missing the last 16 games of the season with a strained left hamstring.

The Rangers avoided arbitration with the deal, but assistant general manager Jon Daniels said the team could speak with Soriano later about a longer-term deal. Soriano is eligible for free agency after the 2006 season.

Texas has two players remaining in arbitration: outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. and right-hander Carlos Almanzar. Players and teams are set to swap proposed salaries Tuesday, with hearings to be scheduled for next month.

Matthews started 77 games, had a team-high eight outfield assists and hit .275 with 11 homers, the second-highest total in his career. Almanzar was 7-3 with a 3.72 ERA in 67 games.

[XERXES]

I don't think this has a ton of significance - both sides needed to do it. I'm still doubtful (in spite of what Showalter says) that Sori will be here on opening day.

[DubOverdose]

Originally posted by: XERXES
I don't think this has a ton of significance - both sides needed to do it. I'm still doubtful (in spite of what Showalter says) that Sori will be here on opening day.

I don't know if I want him here or not. At times he is great, but last season he just stunk up the place with his lazy fielding.

[XERXES]

I agree he is a mediocre fielder - but he's pretty smooth at the plate. You would need to get decent pitching in exchange for him- not chumpchange.

[sike]

if he is delt, does Young stay at short or go back to 2nd?

Any news on Delgado coming to TX?

[XERXES]

no news until hicks, hart, & co. meet with him on Friday morning...

...I liked the idea until I remembered that Delgado was the player that refused to come out of the clubhouse for "God Bless America" during the season last year as an act of protest. Now, I don't really care if they sign him or not.

[jayC]

Delgado is supposed to meet with Hicks and the gang tonight. The Rangers just need to load up on great relievers. The Rangers just have to wait on Danks, Dominguez, Diamond, and Chris Young. Hopefully one of them can come through.