Pinstripe Alley - Yankees acquire Alfonso Soriano from CubsBig boi dinger enthusiastshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51961/pinstripe_alley_minimal.png2013-07-27T14:39:49-04:00http://www.pinstripealley.com/rss/stream/43134212013-07-27T14:39:49-04:002013-07-27T14:39:49-04:00Steinbrenner overruled Cashman on Soriano trade
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<figcaption>Jim McIsaac</figcaption>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/sori_no_mzJu6LVyJb31fpQ5RVHqOM">According</a> to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the decision to acquire <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> did not come from Brian Cashman, but directly from ownership. When asked about the decision to make the trade, Cashman provided a vague yet telling explanation for the trade:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I would say we are in a desperate time. Ownership wants to go for it. I didn't want to give up a young arm [<span>Corey Black</span>]. But I understand the desperate need we have for offense. And Soriano will help us. The bottom line is this guy makes us better. Did ownership want him? Absolutely, yes. Does he make us better? Absolutely, yes. This is what Hal wants, and this is why we are doing it.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> are in fourth place just days away from the trade deadline and Hal Steinbrenner wanted to make a splash to help improve the team. He likely also wanted to take focus away from the $189 million budget plan that got them in this predicament in the first place.</p>
<p>This signing would mark the second Soriano that ownership has forced Cashman to sign after they signed <span>Rafael Soriano</span> for three years. It has also been said that Steinbrenner pushed for a two-year <span>Ichiro Suzuki</span> deal and prevented Cashman from re-signing <span>Russell Martin</span>. At this rate the amount of transactions mandated by ownership will out number the moves the actual general manager ordered.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Pinstriped Bible:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/news/2013/7/27/4562654/hideki-matsui-day-yankees-retire-one-day-contract-ceremony">Yankees to honor Hideki Matsui on Sunday</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/27/4561944/yankees-prospects-2013-mid-season-montgomery-clarkin-turley-banuelos-austin">Yankees prospects: 2013 mid-season #11-15</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/27/4560936/yankees-cubs-trade-alfonso-soriano-reactions">Yankees trade for Alfonso Soriano: Community Reactions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/27/4562270/mlb-trade-rumors-yankees-hunter-pence-giants">Yankees trade rumors: Hunter Pence checked in on but Giants not selling yet</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/26/4559822/corey-black-a-nice-prospect-but-certainly-worth-alfonso-soriano">Corey Black: A nice prospect, but certainly worth Alfonso Soriano</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/news/2013/7/27/4563234/yankees-alfonso-soriano-trade-brian-cashman-overruled-ownershipJason Cohen2013-07-27T10:00:07-04:002013-07-27T10:00:07-04:00Community Reaction: Yankees trade for Soriano
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<figcaption>Jim McIsaac</figcaption>
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<p>Today was a big day for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> and for Pinstriped Bible. The Yankees acquired <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> for <span>Corey Black</span>, marking their first move of the 2013 trading season. Wednesday marks the deadline, so there is sure to be more talk and more rumors before then, but let's pause to remember what we all thought about this transaction.</p>
<p>Many of our followers on Twitter felt the Yankees made a good deal:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/pinstripebible">@pinstripebible</a> Soriano will help in 2013 and his friendly 2014 contract will keep trade option open. Just one HR will make it worth it</p>
— NYFanRant (@NYFanRant) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYFanRant/statuses/360802752701538307">July 26, 2013</a>
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<p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/aynat211">@aynat211</a> No complaints here. For the price AND considering the other options available, this was a steal.</p>
— Joe (@JoeFL65) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeFL65/statuses/360844828411568129">July 26, 2013</a>
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<p>On Pinstriped Bible, tlsmlieb felt that whatever you think Soriano will bring to the team, you can't deny that the Yankees got a good deal out of it. He might not be perfect, but he is now the best right-handed hitter on this team and would have definitely been more money if Brian Cashman signed him as a free agent.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2z7liye"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/2z7liye.png"></a></p>
<p>bluecheese999 provided a vision of the future with the return of <span>Derek Jeter</span>, <span>Curtis Granderson</span> and <span>Alex Rodriguez</span>, but with our luck this year this could all be a mirage. Having those three, plus Soriano, could give the team a big push toward playoff contention, but the 2013 season has proven that anything can really happen.</p>
<p><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=20znqk3" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/20znqk3.png" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> We leave you with some very, very, totally serious words from YankeesJets:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://tinypic.com?ref=jg4ln8"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/jg4ln8.png"></a></p>
<p>As promising as Corey Black may or may not be, the Yankees gave up a player that did not even crack their top 20 prospects list.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Pinstriped Bible:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4560998/yankees-trades-alfonso-soriano-cubs-cash-corey-black">Yankees trades: Alfonso Soriano and cash acquired for Corey Black</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/game-previews/2013/7/26/4560710/yankees-trade-rumors-alfonso-soriano-rios-young-lineup-rays">Trade rumor updates on Rios and Young</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4559994/yankees-rangers-series-roundup-analysis">The Yankees-Rangers series: A season in microcosm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4558876/yankees-prospect-brady-lail-interview-rookie-ball-gulf-coast-league">Yankees Prospect Interview: Brady Lail</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/26/4559822/corey-black-a-nice-prospect-but-certainly-worth-alfonso-soriano">Corey Black: A nice prospect, but certainly worth Alfonso Soriano</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2013/7/27/4560936/yankees-cubs-trade-alfonso-soriano-reactionsJason Cohen2013-07-26T16:52:26-04:002013-07-26T16:52:26-04:00Yankees acquire Soriano & cash for RHP Corey Black
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<figcaption>Ralph Freso</figcaption>
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<p>Alfonso Soriano returns to the Bronx.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> have officially acquired <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> and $17.7 million from the Cubs in return for High-A right-handed pitching prospect <span>Corey Black</span>. Soriano is in the Yankees lineup tonight, batting fourth and playing left field. New York will be on the hook for $6.5 million owed to Soriano for the remainder of 2013 and all of 2014.</p>
<p>Since June 25th, Soriano has hit .273/.316/.682 with ten home runs and six doubles. In July alone, Soriano's eight home runs are more than the Yankees' hitters have hit combined (seven). No matter which way you slice it, Soriano's production as a right-handed hitter with power slots very nicely into a lineup that has struggled mightily to find right-handed production all season. For the year, Soriano has a 100 wRC+ and a lefty/righty split that puts him above-average against left-handers (112 wRC+ vs. LHP, 93 wRC+ vs. RHP). His best month of the season so far has been July with a 145 wRC+ and a .243/.299/.629 batting line.</p>
<p>No 40-man roster move was needed for Soriano, because the Yankees were currently playing with 39 players in anticipation of the return of <span>Alex Rodriguez</span> or <span>Curtis Granderson</span>. Thomas Neal has been sent down to Triple-A to make room on the 25-man roster.</p>
<p>The press release from the Yankees had this to say about Soriano:</p>
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<p>Soriano, 37, hit .254 (92-for-362) with 47 runs, 24 doubles, 17 home runs and 51 RBI in 93 games with the Cubs in 2013. He owns a .272 (1,989-for-7,305) career batting average with 1,093 runs, 458 doubles, 31 triples, 389 home runs and 1,086 RBI in 1,850 games over 15 Major League seasons with the Yankees (1999-2003), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> (2004-05), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a> (2006) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> (2007-13). His 54 career leadoff home runs trail only Rickey Henderson (81) for most in Major League history.</p>
<p>The San Pedro de Macoris, D.R., native was named to the All-Star team in seven consecutive seasons, playing for the American League from 2002-05 and the National League from 2006-08. He has also earned the Silver Slugger Award four times, once with the Yankees (2002), twice with Texas (2004-05) and once with the Nationals (2006).</p>
<p>In 2012, Soriano hit .262 (147-for-561) with 32 home runs and 108 RBI in 151 games for the Cubs, making just one error in 1,183.0 innings in the outfield. He joined <span>David Ortiz</span> and <span>Albert Pujols</span> as the only players to hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last 11 full seasons (2002-12) and is on pace to reach the plateau again in 2013.</p>
<p>Originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on September 29, 1998, Soriano played in 501 games with the club, batting .284 (571-for-2,010) with 326 runs, 124 doubles, 98 home runs, 270 RBI and 121 stolen bases.</p>
<p>In 2002, Soriano hit .300 (209-for-696) with 128 runs, 51 doubles, 39 home runs, 102 RBI and 41 stolen bases, leading the American League in at-bats, runs scored and stolen bases. His 696 at-bats in 2002 mark the highest single-season total in franchise history and his 51 doubles rank third, trailing only Don Mattingly's 53 in 1986 and Lou Gehrig's 52 in 1927. His 209 hits and 39 home runs in 2002 are the most by any Yankees second baseman in a single season.</p>
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<p>Welcome back, Soriano! Here's to getting you a ring.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Pinstriped Bible:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/26/4559822/corey-black-a-nice-prospect-but-certainly-worth-alfonso-soriano">Corey Black: A nice prospect, but certainly worth Alfonso Soriano</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/analysis/2013/7/26/4558682/alfonso-soriano-trade-yankees-vernon-wells-platoon-first-base">Alfonso Soriano trade: Should the Yankees try Vernon Wells at first base now?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/25/4558698/yankees-rumors-alfonso-soriano-trade-corey-black">Alfonso Soriano trade rumors: Cubs zeroing in on Yankees Corey Black</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4559994/yankees-rangers-series-roundup-analysis">The Yankees-Rangers series: A season in microcosm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4559242/yankees-gif-of-the-week-chris-stewart-eduardo-nunez-triple-garza-error">Yankees GIFs of the Week: Stewart pumped, Nunez stumbles, and Gardner gets a gift</a></li>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/2013/7/26/4560998/yankees-trades-alfonso-soriano-cubs-cash-corey-blackTanyaAnderson2013-07-26T16:36:00-04:002013-07-26T16:36:00-04:00Soriano starting in LF; NYY trade rumor updates
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<figcaption>Al Bello</figcaption>
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<p><span>Alfonso Soriano</span> will be in pinstripes again tonight after the trade with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> has finally become official. We are still waiting on a 25-man roster move, but no 40-man move was necessary.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Tonight's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> lineup vs. Tampa Bay. Welcome back <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AlfonsoSoriano&src=hash">#AlfonsoSoriano</a>. Hitting cleanup tonight. <a href="http://t.co/KQG3yxcrwH">pic.twitter.com/KQG3yxcrwH</a></p>
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/YankeesPR/statuses/360858149986648065">July 26, 2013</a>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>The Yankees take on <span>Jeremy Hellickson</span> tonight in the first game of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. <span>Robinson Cano</span>, unsurprisingly, has the best numbers against the right-hander. Cano owns a .333/.444/.867 batting line with two home runs against Hellickson. <span>Brett Gardner</span> has also found success in his 13 at-bats off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> starter, having picked up four hits and worked two walks.</p>
<p>Joe Girardi had benched a struggling <span>Travis Hafner</span> for two games against right-handers in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> series, but he's back in the lineup tonight. He has an uninspiring record off Hellickson in limited at-bats, with one hit and two strikeouts in six plate appearances.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>B4 traded for Soriano <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Yankees&src=hash">#Yankees</a> checked in with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23chisox&src=hash">#chisox</a> on Rios were told on his no-trade and would not waive it so moved to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cubs&src=hash">#Cubs</a> Soriano</p>
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/statuses/360834262196432899">July 26, 2013</a>
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<p><span>Alex Rios</span> is apparently very content to stay in Chicago, or at least not content with making a move to the Yankees. New York was one of the teams on his no-trade list and he refused to waive it. The fact that the Yankees were seemingly more interested in him than Soriano at first makes sense, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> would have likely commanded a better prospect than <span>Corey Black</span> in return.</p>
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<p>Heard <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Yankees&src=hash">#Yankees</a> also continue to be told by <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Phillies&src=hash">#Phillies</a> that <span>Michael Young</span> not yet available, and might never be</p>
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/statuses/360834816721170434">July 26, 2013</a>
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This is also apparently still a thing. Yankees would likely be able to use Michael Young at third or first base. Seeing as <span>Alex Rodriguez</span> may end up suspended for the rest of the season and all the third base replacements have failed to impress, an upgrade is likely needed. Whether or not Young is actually an upgrade or not is up for discussion, but he isn't having a terrible season for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Pinstriped Bible:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4559994/yankees-rangers-series-roundup-analysis">The Yankees-Rangers series: A season in microcosm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/26/4559822/corey-black-a-nice-prospect-but-certainly-worth-alfonso-soriano">Corey Black: A nice prospect, but certainly worth Alfonso Soriano</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/analysis/2013/7/26/4558682/alfonso-soriano-trade-yankees-vernon-wells-platoon-first-base">Alfonso Soriano trade: Should the Yankees try Vernon Wells at first base now?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/25/4558698/yankees-rumors-alfonso-soriano-trade-corey-black">Alfonso Soriano trade rumors: Cubs zeroing in on Yankees Corey Black</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4559242/yankees-gif-of-the-week-chris-stewart-eduardo-nunez-triple-garza-error">Yankees GIFs of the Week: Stewart pumped, Nunez stumbles, and Gardner gets a gift</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/game-previews/2013/7/26/4560710/yankees-trade-rumors-alfonso-soriano-rios-young-lineup-raysTanyaAnderson2013-07-26T12:35:46-04:002013-07-26T12:35:46-04:00The other side of the trade: who is Corey Black?
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<img alt="Hopefully Soriano gets to shake Rob Thomson's hand plenty of times." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-kTFulAvnhDjNvR9iRuf2w6m2SI=/0x65:4000x2732/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16934269/20130719_pjc_ac4_155.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hopefully Soriano gets to shake Rob Thomson's hand plenty of times. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Yankees patched up a need with the acquisition of Alfonso Soriano, but what exactly did they give up?</p> <p>Whether or not acquiring <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> is too little too late, the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> made the move without sacrificing anything of significant value. As we well know by now, the Yankees offense desperately could use some help, band-aid or not. Hence the move for Soriano. As rumors of the deal swirled, the return package had been unknown. Today, the New York Post's Joel Sherman <a href="https://twitter.com/ps_pundits/status/360778277704581122">confirmed</a> that <span>Corey Black</span>, the Yankees' fourth round pick last year, will be heading to the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> in exchange for Sori. In all likelihood, many Yankees fans are just hearing of Black's name today. So what kind of prospect is he?</p>
<p>Coming into this season, Baseball America pegged Black as the Yankees' 25th-best prospect, mainly citing his power arm that has touched 100 MPH before. He faired well, splitting time in three leagues after being drafted; rookie ball, the New York Penn League, and the South Atlantic League, posting a 3.08 ERA in 52.2 innings.</p>
<p>This year, Black began the season with High-A Tampa of the Florida State League, and has been very good in 19 starts. While his 4.25 ERA is mediocre, a couple of his peripherals have shined. He's striking out 9.58 batters per nine innings, while only surrendering 0.22 home runs per nine, which is the main reason for his 3.27 FIP. The walks have been the key issue for Black, allowing 45 in 82.2 frames.</p>
<p>The strikeouts and FIP are impressive for the 21-year-old, but we have to be careful "scouting" the stat line. At 5-11, the odds are already against Black remaining as a starter. There simply aren't many starting pitchers at that size who can hold up for a full workload. Plus, at that height, it's difficult to get a good downward plane on the fastball, which could cause him to be susceptible to the long ball down the road (this is more concerning as a starter). While his fastball velocity is special, his secondary stuff leaves a lot to be desired. He throws an "average changeup" and a "fringy early-count curveball", as described within Baseball America's top 30 Yankees' prospects. All this really means is that if Black reaches the majors, he'll likely do it as a reliever riding his power fastball.</p>
<p>All in all, Black is a nice prospect, but certainly not a devastating loss to the system. An arm like his is impressive, so it's understandable why any team would be intrigued by him. With Chicago eating so much of Soriano's salary, the Yankees had to give up something decent, but nothing otherworldly. And that's exactly what Black is: a decent starter prospect, but more likely to wind up as a very good relief prospect.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from Pinstriped Bible:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4559854/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-yankees-cubs-alfonso-soriano-corey-black">Corey Black going to the Cubs for Alfonso Soriano</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/26/4559540/mlb-trade-rumors-yankees-cubs-agree-alfonso-soriano-kahnle-black">MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees and Cubs agree to Alfonso Soriano trade, MLB approves (maybe)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/26/4559242/yankees-gif-of-the-week-chris-stewart-eduardo-nunez-triple-garza-error">Yankees GIFs of the Week: Stewart pumped, Nunez stumbles, and Gardner gets a gift</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/analysis/2013/7/25/4555322/chris-stewart-is-it-time-we-give-him-credit-for-his-defense">Chris Stewart: Is it time we give him credit for his defense?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/analysis/2013/7/25/4555324/travis-hafner-yankees-designated-hitter-struggles-release">Are Travis Hafner's days in the Bronx numbered?</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/26/4559822/corey-black-a-nice-prospect-but-certainly-worth-alfonso-sorianoDerek Albin2013-07-26T12:00:12-04:002013-07-26T12:00:12-04:00Should Vernon Wells be moved to first base?
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<figcaption>Al Bello</figcaption>
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<p>When Alfonso Soriano is acquired and Curtis Granderson returns from the DL, the Yankee outfield will be overly crowded. As a result, the Yankees could look to move Vernon Wells to first base in a platoon role.</p> <p>Once the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> acquire <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> from the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a>, they will have a surplus of outfielders. With <span>Brett Gardner</span>, <span>Ichiro Suzuki</span>, and <span>Vernon Wells</span> already in the fold, to go along with <span>Curtis Granderson's</span> eventual return, and now the Soriano trade, the Yankees will have five outfielders vying for three spots. Keeping this in mind, the Yankees should consider moving Vernon Wells to first base.</p>
<p>Vernon Wells, as we all know, is pretty bad. Entering Friday night's play, the 34-year-old outfielder boasts a .240/.288/.366 line with a 76 wRC+. Certainly, we can conclude that this is someone who shouldn't be playing every day and is the worst of the five outfielders previously presented. However, since he is on the team and is not going anywhere anytime soon, the Yankees could still try to find him a spot in the lineup, but at first base.</p>
<p>Now, by no means should Vernon Wells be the regular first baseman going forward, but he could platoon with <span>Lyle Overbay</span>. Overbay and his 49 wRC+ against lefties should never see the field against southpaws. Vernon Wells, on the other hand, has a 104 wRC+ against lefties, which is certainly not great, but is miles better than what Overbay has done.</p>
<p>The Yankees moving an outfielder to first base mid-season wouldn't be anything new for them. After acquiring <span>Bobby Abreu</span> in July of 2006, the Yankees shifted <span>Gary Sheffield</span> from right to first after the latter returned from wrist surgery in September of that same year. The transition wasn't pretty, to say the least, so it's not a guarantee that Wells could make it work. At the same time, Vernon would only be in there against lefties and they could have Overbay come in as a defensive replacement in the late innings. Besides, stranger things have happened, like the Yankees moving Lyle Overbay to right field for a short while.</p>
<p>Given the abundant amount of outfielders the Yankees will have, moving Wells to first as part of a platoon makes so much sense that it actually won't happen. All kidding aside, the Yankees offense could still use a little punch even with the injury returns of <span>Derek Jeter</span> and Granderson to go alongside the Soriano trade, and pairing Wells with Overbay at first would certainly help that.</p>
<h4>More from Pinstriped Bible:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/25/4558008/yankees-trades-alfonso-soriano-cubs">Yankees close to acquiring Cubs Alfonso Soriano</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/25/4558698/yankees-rumors-alfonso-soriano-trade-corey-black">Alfonso Soriano trade rumors: Cubs zeroing in on Yankees Corey Black</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/new-york-yankees-history/2013/7/25/4553926/yankees-history-trades-alex-rodriguez-alfonso-soriano">Looking back at the Alex Rodriguez/Alfonso Soriano swap</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/25/4555508/mlb-deadline-yankees-trade-chip-adam-warren-bullpen">Yankees Trade Chip: Adam Warren</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/analysis/2013/7/26/4558682/alfonso-soriano-trade-yankees-vernon-wells-platoon-first-basejessenyy2013-07-26T11:40:59-04:002013-07-26T11:40:59-04:00Corey Black going to the Cubs
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Tampa right-hander is on his way to Chicago (or Daytona).</p> <p>The trade is complete. <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> is in New York and playing tonight for the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a>, and High-A Tampa pitcher <span>Corey Black</span> is moving to the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> organization. The Cubs will pay $17.7 million of Soriano's $24.5 million left for this year and next, with the Yankees on the hook for just $7.1 million. Derek Albin calculated a mere $4 million cap hit for next year, which is really not much; think of it as a small deal one-year deal the Yankees might have given to a veteran in the off-season.</p>
<p>More on Black:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Corey Black is prospect going for Soriano. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cubs&src=hash">#Cubs</a> see as power rlvr in future, up to 97 mph, good curve. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Yankees&src=hash">#Yankees</a></p>
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/statuses/360775279796428801">July 26, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Black had a 9.6 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9 in 82 2/3 innings (19 starts) with Tampa this year, pitching to a 4.25 ERA and 3.27 FIP. He was a fourth round pick by the Yankees in last year's draft, and his best pitch is his blazing fastball, which Sherman mentions in the above tweet.</p>
<p>Black does have promise, but many consider him a likely reliever in the future given his small size and control problems. Even people who ranked him among the Yankees' top 20 prospects have some doubt about him, like Minor League Ball's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/7/23/4548684/new-york-yankees-top-20-2013-pre-season-prospects-in-review">John Sickels</a>:</p>
<blockquote><em>12) Corey Black, RHP, Grade B-: 4.29 ERA with 86/43 K/BB in 78 innings for Tampa, just one homer allowed. Throws very hard, as high as 100 MPH at his best, but command is problematic and he is more likely a reliever in the long run. </em></blockquote>
<p>There's likely something there in Black's fastball, but as several have noted on Twitter, the Yankees are dealing from a position of strength. They might struggle with position players and starting pitchers, but their system has proven to be factory of successful relief pitchers. Although it's tough to see Black's fastball leave the system, it would be ridiculous to not attempt any improvement on a team just a few games back of a playoff spot.</p>
<p>If Black turns into a <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/jedleyq/status/360755705847881729">Ron Guidry-type</a> success story, then good for him. For now though, the Yankees can afford to deal away a pitcher who hasn't even cracked Double-A. Remember Arodys Vizcaino? He was an even more <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=vizcai001aro">highly-touted</a> young arm who the Yankees sent away in the <span>Javier Vazquez</span> deal. The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Braves</a> eventually dealt him to the Cubs, and he's had to undergo both season-ending <a target="_blank" href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/20/arodys-vizcaino-undergoes-tommy-john-surgery/">Tommy John surgery</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/28/arodys-vizcaino-gets-more-surgery-done-for-season/">arthroscopic elbow surgery</a> in consecutive years.</p>
<p>These young arms are a crapshoot, and if giving away just one helps this team contend for the playoffs, then it's worth it.</p>
<p><i><b>Editor's Note:</b> Read my <a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013/7/13/4517874/yankees-prospect-interview-corey-black-tampa-riverdogs-2012-mlb-draft" target="_blank">interview</a> with Corey Black from two weeks ago! - Jason</i></p>
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</ul>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2013/7/26/4559854/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-yankees-cubs-alfonso-soriano-corey-blackAndrew Mearns2013-07-26T10:16:16-04:002013-07-26T10:16:16-04:00Yankees and Cubs agree to Alfonso Soriano trade
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ueNj8w9SjiD6PHE-ICY2GxrffNo=/0x87:4000x2754/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16928683/149442595.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Banks</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Yankees and <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> have agreed to a deal that would send <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> to the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Yankees</a> in return for what looks to be a pitching prospect. The Cubs are picking from a list of prospects and it could come down to either <span>Corey Black</span> or <span>Tom Kahnle</span> and <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/360730343025819651">another</a> player.</p>
<p>It is unclear just how much money the Yankees will be taking on, however, it is supposed to be <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/360727232022454275">less than</a> $10 million of the total $25 million between 2013 and 2014. Jon Heyman says the Yankees will pay between <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/360728326643519488">$7-8 million</a> and Buster Olney believes the Cubs will <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/360742341843238914">pay</a> $17.7 million and the Yankees will pay $6.8 million, including $5 million in 2014.</p>
<p>Right now there are <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JimBowdenESPNxm/status/360746197171970048">conflicting</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/360752667288551424">reports</a> on whether or not MLB has approved such a trade, but it looks like Soriano has waived his no trade clause to make the transaction official. Apparently Soriano is <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/360709002981675008">scheduled</a> to be in the Yankees lineup tonight after taking a red eye flight to New York.</p>
<p> </p>
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<li><a href="http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/25/4558008/yankees-trades-alfonso-soriano-cubs">Yankees close to acquiring Cubs Alfonso Soriano</a></li>
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</ul>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2013-trade-deadline/2013/7/26/4559540/mlb-trade-rumors-yankees-cubs-agree-alfonso-soriano-kahnle-blackJason Cohen