Texas Ranger manager John Daniels has made his first trade.  Ranger second baseman Alphonso Soriano is headed to the Washington Nationals for outfielder Brad Wilkerson and Termmel Sledge.  Wilkerson is considered an above average defender who will be 29 at the start of the season hit .248 with 11 home runs in 2005.  He has a lifetime average of .256.  However, when his 106 walks in the 2004 season and 84 walks last season are taken into account he boasts an on base percentage of around .350.  Sledge, who will be 29 at the start of the season, had only 37 at bats due to an injury.  In 2004 rookie season he hit .269 with 15 home runs.  There was also a player to be named later who is assumed to be a rookie pitcher.

Given that Soriano is one of baseball's premier offensive players having hit 36 home runs with 104 runs batted in and 30 stolen bases to his credit lat year.  Although Soriano was eligible for arbitration and it was unlikely the Rangers would have been willing to pay the $10 million that might have been required to keep him the trade is viewed as underwhelming.  Before last year's trading deadline Soriano's name had been linked to some of the best young pitchers in other people's systems.  The deal would appear to do nothing to address the club's despirate need for starting pitching or bullpen help.  Unless, the two players obtained are flipped for pitching it is likely that fans will view Daniels' maiden deal as a resounding dud.

Comments (0)

Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.
	Add Comment