Philadelphia Phillies interested in Alfonso Soriano, sources claim -MLB Update
As per the sources, the Philadelphia Phillies are engaged in talks with the Chicago Cubs for acquiring their left fielder, Alfonso Soriano in exchange for the prospect Domonic Brown.
During this offseason, the Phillies have been active in trading players.
Instead of visiting the free agent market, they appear to be more interested in scanning rosters of other teams and asking them for possible exchanges.
Recently, they sent two relievers to the Texas Rangers and obtained Michael Young in return. Before this trade deal, they added an outfielder Ben Revere on their roster through an agreement with the Minnesota Twins.
Soriano is the latest player that the Phillies are trying to get. As far as his credentials to become a regular campaigner for Philadelphia during the 2013 season is concerned, he is reliable by many accounts.
For example, his defence and the ability to create RBIs can help the Phillies immensely. Only downside of his potential existence on the roster can be his age.
At 36, he is more likely to struggle in the outfield and exhibit his best defensive talent.
Besides, his entry can reinforce the impression that the Phillies consist of aged individuals largely. Along with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Young, he will be another player languishing in his 30s.
Some of the fans are already critical of the inclusion of Young, because of his age and the possibility of decline down the line.
If the Phillies fail during 2013, fans will have a lot of reasons to criticise the officials and find faults with their moves.
That is something the management will be aware of and thus the risks that come along with the acquisition of Soriano.
The Phillies are desperately looking to rebound next year after going through a disappointing 2012 season. They are taking various measures to address issues with their roster and trying to bridge the discrepancies at the earliest.
It remains to be seen as to what extent the Cubs have shown interest in the prospect that the Phillies are offering for getting Soriano. The fact Brown is talented gives one a reason to believe that they can think seriously about the trade.
Only the time will tell as to whether the deal takes place or not.
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