BREAKING NEWS -- SORIANO TRADED!!!!!!!

by Adam J. Morris on Dec 7, 2005 10:21 PM CST in News Comment 89 comments

Per ESPNews, Soriano has been traded to the Nationals.

I'm following this, and will post more info when I see it.

Woooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!

Update [2005-12-7 23:24:51 by Adam J. Morris]: -- FOR WILKERSON, SLEDGE AND A PTBNL!!!!!

Holy Showaltering Crap!!!!!

Jon Daniels, I love You!!!!

Update [2005-12-8 0:8:18 by Adam J. Morris]: -- The PTBNL is apparently Armando Galarraga, a pitcher who was the #7 prospect in the Carolina League (high-A) last season.

Gammons said that, while the Rangers really want Orlando Hudson, that probably won't happen, and they'll "likely go with their own young guys." i.e., Ian Kinsler.

0 recs | Comment 89 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I'm about to wet my pants I'm so giddy right now..

please be for wilkerson!!!

by rangeressary on Dec 7, 2005 10:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

wow

soriano for wilkerson, sledge, and a minor leagure........wow

by simbaa on Dec 7, 2005 10:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Brad Wilkerson

Couldn't be, could it?

by BurntOrange on Dec 7, 2005 10:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

link to espn.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2251887

by simbaa on Dec 7, 2005 10:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wilkerson, Sledge and another minor leaguer...

according to Rotoworld.

by rangeressary on Dec 7, 2005 10:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I love this trade

Good job Rangers.

by Chris Martin on Dec 7, 2005 10:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Are you joking?

I may have to take back the bad things I said about Jon Daniels.

by BurntOrange on Dec 7, 2005 10:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

omfg

right after i just made that diary....omfg

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 10:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Kinsler Era begins

HOpefully

by simbaa on Dec 7, 2005 10:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Now we will see how

much of a stud Kinsler really is. But let's not expect a great year out of him.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 10:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

NICE!!!!

Good deal JD!!!

This is a coup to get wilkerson, Sledge and a PTBNL....

by jctrampe on Dec 7, 2005 10:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yes! Finally!

Maybe this is for bigger things to come. Now maybe a pitcher.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 10:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Alas, Sori...

we hardly knew ye... JD/Hicks spend some of that $$$ on pitching, stat. Otherwise, it's pretty much a waste.

by trza on Dec 7, 2005 10:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not a waste

Even if Hicks pockets the money, this is a great deal.

Wilkerson >>> Soriano

by BurntOrange on Dec 7, 2005 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kudos

That is one hell of a trade.

- B. Canfield

by BrianC on Dec 7, 2005 10:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

wow

they seem to have gotten more than anyone thought soriano was worth. while i dont know much about wilkerson other than he is a cf, which fills a need.

by rentz on Dec 7, 2005 10:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Prediction

When will Fraley come out with his "But they didn't get any pitching" article?

by Chris Martin on Dec 7, 2005 10:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tomorrow I'm Sure

I can't believe this trade...what are the Nats thinking?

by rangeressary on Dec 7, 2005 10:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

outfield...

Do we put Sledge in rightfeild at the beginning of the season starting?

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 10:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

by alon91 on Dec 7, 2005 10:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

you can

put it on the boardddddddd yesss....lmao

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sori in lf

wonder how that plan will pan out for the nationals

by rentz on Dec 7, 2005 10:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bahahaha

Thank goodness there are really stupid GMs out there. I'm sure Soriano in left field is gonna work out REAL well for the Nats.

Happy holidays, Jim Bowden.

by alon91 on Dec 7, 2005 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

WHAT????

Don't you mean "Merry Christmas"????

by Dustin on Dec 7, 2005 10:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ha.

Thank you Bill O'Reilly.

by trza on Dec 7, 2005 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

I came across that O'Reilly episode about "the war on christmas"...it's pretty dumb. I guess you can read happy holidays as being secular or whatever...hell I tell people happy holiday's meaning the holiday's as in turkey day, xmas, & new years. I sure am glad that fox news stopped ramming "fair and balance" down everyones throats every 10 seconds.

"I was so successful in [social engineering] that I rarely had to resort to a technical attack," Mitnick

by Andrew F Medina on Dec 8, 2005 4:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.

Bill O'Reilly has gone nuts with his War on Christmas. It's kind of funny to watch, but still pretty annoying. Some people have to find something to be angry about, I guess.

by trza on Dec 8, 2005 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Werd.

"I was so successful in [social engineering] that I rarely had to resort to a technical attack," Mitnick

by Andrew F Medina on Dec 8, 2005 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Soriano will be at 2B

Rumor has it Vidro may be done for his career. This move might confirm it.

by orton1227 on Dec 8, 2005 6:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

What happend to Vidro?

"I was so successful in [social engineering] that I rarely had to resort to a technical attack," Mitnick

by Andrew F Medina on Dec 8, 2005 7:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Vidro

He tore some tendons in his ankle. Not likely to run fast anymore. Maybe not as agile as a defender anymore. He can still play, but I would guess the Nats don't think of him as ML-quality anymore outside of being a decent hitter.

by orton1227 on Dec 8, 2005 7:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sori in the NL

if i had to guess...
avg: .250
hr: 20
No one was hitting HRs out RFK last year, he won't be too much of an exception, plus a good batting average should be a little big tougher to come by in the NL (just an assumption based on NL pitching).
Atlanta is losing some pitching though....we'll see i guess

Troy I. ----- "It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy." -Nolan Ryan

by tdi1985 on Dec 7, 2005 10:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So here's the real question

What the hell are the nationals thinking?

by cstorm15 on Dec 7, 2005 10:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This frees up money for the Rocket!

Now let'sign Millwood sign Rocket and trade Mench for another pitcher.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 10:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tom Hicks

wont spend for shit i bet but we need to get Matt Morris and Millwood and maybe trade for Vasquez...

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 10:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the Rangers are

one of the teams Vazquez put on his do not trade to list.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 10:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

burnt-- money aside wilkerson is better?

I like Wilkerson, I'm happy w/ the deal, but tell me why wilkerson is a better player than soriano. This is a good deal if the saved money is spent, but the two players have an career identical ops plus. Soriano's 111 as a middle infielder has to outweigh Wilkerson's 111 as a corner outfielder (I hope they don't try to put him at center in our ballpark). I like the deal-- but it only helps if the money is put to use.

by hperl345 on Dec 7, 2005 10:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yeah

im trying to figure that out myself. to me it seems sori was moved to save money (allegedly for other players). though i guess its best to get something now, rather than let him walk, they werent going to pay him 12mil a year

by rentz on Dec 7, 2005 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

respond

"they werent going to pay him 12mil a year"

If they were smart they would...

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

EqA

Wilkerson has better WARP and EqA, and the potential to improve on those numbers when moving from a pitchers park in a pitchers league.

by rangeressary on Dec 7, 2005 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

numbers

thats what will be interesting, to see how his numbers elevate at the ballpark.

by rentz on Dec 7, 2005 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Plus

Plus, Kinsler should be better than anyone we could stick in CF (Nix/GMJ), and Sledge is basically a league-average outfielder.

- B. Canfield

by BrianC on Dec 7, 2005 10:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wilkerson > Soriano

Here's why I think Wilkerson is better, before considering the dollar savings:

Wilkerson has higher career EqA
I believe Soriano is more apt to decline, compared to Wilkerson
While Soriano does play in the middle of the infield, he plays 2B so poorly that I don't there's a defensive advantage there
Wilkerson fills a position of greater need

Then, of course, you have to factor in that we got two additional players, although I still think Wilkerson is better than Soriano even-up.

by BurntOrange on Dec 7, 2005 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So...

Wilkerson goes in as the everyday CF? And can handle it at TBiA?

I have to admit, I really don't know the player, hardly at all.

His home road splits look very encouraging, and are absolutely better than Sori's. He should hit well in Arlington.

And he's younger. And, wow...so much cheaper.

by hightowersmith on Dec 7, 2005 11:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wilkerson

I would prefer he play LF, and that we go get Milton Bradley to play CF and then use Mench in a deal to get a pitcher, while I think his value is as high as it will ever be.

by BurntOrange on Dec 7, 2005 11:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeh

I think I'd be totally cool with Wilkerson taking over for Mench. That seems like a solid exchange.

Ship Kevin out for something. His value is hiiiiiiiiigh.

by hightowersmith on Dec 7, 2005 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well

from what ive been reading, the rangers are overvaluing mench and are demanding more for him than teams think he is worth.
though i agree, he will get more in return than most anyone else

by rentz on Dec 7, 2005 11:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Roselnthal(sp?)

said Daniels asks for to much and gms told him that...

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 11:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

quick and dirty

If my arithmetic and assumptions are correct, using the park factors Adam posted earlier, Wilkerson would have hit around 16-17 home runs if he had played 2005 for the Rangers (rather than 11). There's a huge disparity between RFK and TBIA in their HR factor.

by trza on Dec 7, 2005 10:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

TR link

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/baseball/13354653.htm

by hightowersmith on Dec 7, 2005 10:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This PTBNL Armando Galarraga?

Anyone know any thing about him besidesthat he is a pitcher?

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 10:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

galarraga

per BA: Galarraga has a lively 92-94 mph sinker and a hard, sharp slider that he can throw for strikes and use as an out pitch. He has a strong, athletic frame and attacks hitters from a three-quarters arm slot. He's very competitive and shows a mean streak.

he was their number 5 prospect

by BHill on Dec 7, 2005 10:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How old is he?

Is he close to major league ready and is he a RP or a SP? Thanks for the info.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

more from BA:

The Future:
Galarraga can be a No. 3 starter if his changeup emerges. If that doesn't work out, he could be a powerful bullpen arm. He figures to start 2006 back at Harrisburg but could earn a big league promotion late in 2006.

by BHill on Dec 7, 2005 11:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Armando Galarraga

is the PTBNL

by hightowersmith on Dec 7, 2005 10:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

middle infield

Newberg said Young would go back to 2B. I would love to see a young player that could attract some attention to the Rangers come up and excel!

Young is my favorite Ranger, so it makes me happy to hear that he would be willing to do whatever it takes to win...and I like him at SS.

This is such a great freakin' situation! :D

Troy I. ----- "It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy." -Nolan Ryan

by tdi1985 on Dec 7, 2005 10:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Middle Infield

It would make a lot of sense to move Young back to 2B and install Kinsler at this natural position, SS.

- B. Canfield

by BrianC on Dec 7, 2005 10:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

either way...

...i'm excited about the potential of the two in the middle together.

Troy I. ----- "It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy." -Nolan Ryan

by tdi1985 on Dec 7, 2005 10:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Woopideedooooooo!!!!!!

Jon Daniels has already surpassed John Hart in terms of success at the helm of the Rangers.

by tlt29 on Dec 7, 2005 10:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

im more

excited about the young kid from Cumana, Venezuela who is a beast i might add, but seriously.

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

gammons

just on sports center talking about the deal, said he really likes it, good for both teams, and wilkerson is a good obp guy who can play 1b and the 3of positions and sledge is a average 4th of'r who is a utility kind of guy that buck is fond of.

also said he doesnt think a trade for hudson will happen

by rentz on Dec 7, 2005 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

From minorleaguebaseball.com

Armando Galarraga, RHP
The undrafted Venezuelan has shown no lingering effects of Tommy John surgery in 2002 and has blossomed into one of the organization's most sought-after prospects. While his 2005 numbers at Potomac and Harrisburg weren't overwhelming (combined 6-8, 3.80), they didn't tell the whole story. His slider and sinker are both sharp and thrown in excess of 90 miles an hour. Though he'll begin 2006 in the minors, if he continues to show the improvement he has to this point, he could figure into the plans in Washington by July or August.

by rangeressary on Dec 7, 2005 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gammons = Moron

According to Petey......

Soriano's numbers will go down going to RFK which is true.

But he will provide the Nats with "sock" on the road and his offensive game keeps getting better and better.

by Chris Martin on Dec 7, 2005 10:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is it just me

or does Wilkerson seem like the potential second coming of Toby Harrah? I mean that in the best possible way. Low average, high OBP, some pop, decent in the field...

by trza on Dec 7, 2005 11:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Kinsler

I've never seen him play, but a couple of my friends have said he's absolutely horrible at 2nd. Maybe it's not as bad as they're making it out to be.

I love the deal, though. Soriano would have been gone soon, and Wilkerson will make a great leadoff hitter. Hopefully this Sledge fella will work out, too.

Now they HAVE to address pitching.

by Dustin on Dec 7, 2005 11:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

WWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO

by Ian Cobb on Dec 7, 2005 11:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

what is wilkerson' salary in 2006

by simbaa on Dec 7, 2005 11:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

around 3 mill

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Probably about $4.5 million

by Adam J. Morris on Dec 7, 2005 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

YESSS!

JON DANIELS FOR EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR!!!

by ghtd36 on Dec 7, 2005 11:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

first

lets see him get some pitching...

Juan Pierre future Ranger star"There's no reason the Rangers can't get to the top.""My style is to keep folks in place who are good managers and want to win."

by miles on Dec 7, 2005 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pitching...

I think this deal leads to other deals involving pitchers through trades and FA. I really think they should use some of the money they saved with Sori to get Millwood and make your best pitch so to speak to Rocket.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 11:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OT: Toronto get overbay

so i guess thats ends the mench talk.

by cjbray on Dec 7, 2005 11:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Awesome Trade.

im a big fan of Sledge; very glad we got him. Just hope everyone passes their physicals..

by Longhorn on Dec 7, 2005 11:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

OK, I'll bite

What do you like about Sledge?

I haven't looked at his minor league numbers, mind yeh...

by hightowersmith on Dec 7, 2005 11:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Drew Meyer

anyone to pull him back from Rule V?

by Longhorn on Dec 7, 2005 11:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Anyway*

not 'anyone'

by Longhorn on Dec 7, 2005 11:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

Once there they have to go through it.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 11:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So

We traded Soriano for a bunch of bad players.

I'm glad all the Astro fans here liked it.

by Sharky on Dec 7, 2005 11:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So your telling us

You are happy with Soriano and his defense? Do the Rangers lose some offense yes but I'm a season ticket holder and I'm tired of all these 11-10 games that we generally lose. Pitching and defense win games and if JD can turn this trade into some pitching it will be worth trading Sori.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 11:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

btw

What is Clemens talking about in Houston?

Why doesn't he come post a ten ERA here, or anywhere in the AL or outside a Yankees/Astros uniform.

He's the worst pitcher ever.

by Sharky on Dec 7, 2005 11:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

LOL

keep your day job because your not going to make it a a comedian.

For the love of GOD sell the team Tom!

by boomer1 on Dec 7, 2005 11:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah

I see we're on the Clemens bandwagon already.

Why dont we just try to sign the whole Astros team. They're so good.

Except Mike Lamb. He's an ex-Ranger.

by Sharky on Dec 7, 2005 11:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Could work out

At first glance, this deal did not strike me as a great one. Wilkerson's numbers last season were anemic. However, he was hurt with shoulder and upper extremity problems and was swinging one handed. In 2004 he put up Soriano like power numbers in the Expos ballpark and is a much better defensive player. It will be interesting to see whether he passes the physical.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20050912&conten t_id=1207090&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp

by doolindalton on Dec 8, 2005 12:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

an almost perfect trade

I know his stats last year weren't great, but Wilkerson is, in many ways, a poor man's Brian Giles. He gets on base, he can play right or center field, and he has power that, while perhaps declining, could return once within the confines of Ameriquest Field.

Of course, Wilkerson will make less than half of what Giles will make next year, and is significantly younger.

In 406 at bats in 2004, Wilkerson hit .259/.382/.534 in the leadoff spot. I think that's well within his capabilities, and if he does that while playing a servicable center field, this would be the best Ranger trade in eons.

by Ian Cobb on Dec 8, 2005 12:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Question about Salary?

Okay so in 2006. How much of Arod's salary are we still paying?

I mean say we never traded AROD we would be paying him what $20 million.

Now, we are paying the following (or projected for 2006):

AROD - ?
Soriano - None
Wilkerson - $4 million (projected)
Sledge - $500K (projected)
Galaragge - ?

So maybe we are looking at $5 million (not including any AROD salary pickup)...wow that is an approximate $15 million savings.

I will say that no matter what at this point, the Rangers have gotten out from underneath that horrible AROD contract (notwithstanding his MVP type play).

by simbaa on Dec 8, 2005 12:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I guess a follow-up....

What have we done with that savings? just lowered our payroll, i know that is a big part of the answer

by simbaa on Dec 8, 2005 12:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wooooo!

I know I'm a little behind the times, but I just peed my pants in happiness. Wilkerson, Sledge, AND a good young arm.

JD just bought himself a lot of good will among knowledgable fans.

God has blessed us.

Somebody's got to win the West in '06. Why not Texas???

by thedirkatron on Dec 8, 2005 2:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

espn boards

some of the threads on this trade there are amusing.
does everyone really think you can just get pitching for any player? the offers just werent there, the rangers tried their damndest to get pitching for sori, and no one was biting.

by rentz on Dec 8, 2005 8:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs