Following up on the diary link provided by hightowersmith, the Nationals are rumored to be pushing for a Wilkerson for Soriano trade:
In fact, Bowden said he was close to a major deal on Wednesday afternoon, but Washington is a player short of completing the deal. Bowden would not say what deal was possibly in place, but according to two baseball sources, the Nationals would send outfielder Brad Wilkerson and another player to the Rangers for second baseman Alfonso Soriano.
They want either reliever Luis Ayala, right-hander Collin Balester or third baseman Kory Casto as the second player in the deal, but the Nationals are unwilling to part with them.
Soriano is the leadoff and power hitter Washington is craving. Last season, he hit .268 with 36 home runs, 104 RBIs and recorded 30 stolen bases. During his seven-year career, Soriano has a .280 average with 162 home runs, 465 RBIs and 169 stolen bases. He is best known for playing with the Yankees, appearing in two World Series in 2001 and 2003.
If he were to join the Nationals, Soriano would play left field with Jose Vidro remaining at second base.
Ayala is considered one of the best setup men in the National League. He appeared in 68 games and was 8-7 with a 2.66 ERA. Balester and Casto played in the Minor Leagues last season, and they were recently ranked as Washington's No. 2 and No. 6 prospects, respectively, by Baseball America.
Balester played for Class A Savannah and went 8-6 with a 3.67 ERA, while Casto, the Nationals' Minor League Player of the Year, hit .290 with 22 home runs and 90 RBIs.
Wilkerson for Soriano straight up would be a great deal. If we could get another decent prospect out of the deal, then so much the better, but I would make the trade even with no one but Wilkerson.
Man, I would be thrilled if this were true...I was almost afraid to post this, lest I hex the deal...