The New York Yankees are in desperate need of hitting and because the club hasn't been able to find the run production and power hitting they've grown accustomed to in the Bronx over the years, General Manager Brian Cashman made the team's first big in-season move.
Sending a Single A pitching prospect to the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees were able to bring back fan favorite Alfonso Soriano after the 37-year-old waived his no-trade clause to return to the team that gave him his first Big League chance.
With injuries to multiple run-producing players including third baseman Alex Rodriguez, shortstop Derek Jeter, center fielder Curtis Granderson, utility infielder Kevin Youkilis and first baseman Mark Teixeira, the Yankees were thirsting for someone who could give them significant support.
Soriano returns to the Bronx Bombers - after spending 5 seasons from 1999 to 2003 with the team - at the right time.
The outfielder has connected for 10 home runs in his last 21 games while batting a crisp .286. Add in the fact that the former Yankees second baseman has also accumulated 21 RBI's over that stretch and it's entirely possible that Soriano will be able to help New York improve upon their 12th place standing in the American League 'Runs Scored' department.
"He's put together a pretty good run," Cubs manager Dale Sveum told MLB reporters recently. "Last year at 36 years old, that's a legacy in itself. He's a guy who when he's on the field, he's lived up to his media guide, so to speak, besides the stolen bases he's had in his career early."
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Sveum also believes that Soriano's return to the Yankees will benefit both parties since the player is familiar with the ball club and the team could certainly use his help.
"He's going to a place that is obviously one of the better stadiums and he's been there before and has performed in that atmosphere," Sveum said. "Obviously, they've had a lot of injuries, and he's the guy who can fill that void as designated hitter and in left field."
Soriano is reportedly owed an estimated $24.5 million through the end of the 2014 season and with Chicago picking up over $17 million of that contract, the Yankees are only responsible for a remaining $6.8 million. Of the $18 million he'll earn next season, New York will only front $5 million.
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"It was great when I used to be with the Yankees," Soriano said to ESPN. "My best friend with the team is Derek Jeter and he's still there. Mariano Rivera is still there too. And me and Robinson Cano are good friends too, because we're from the same town. I could feel very good with the Yankees because I've been part of the family before with them."
With 17 home runs, 51 RBI's and a .254 batting average this season, Soriano will certainly provide the Yankees - who are 6.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox - with a significant boost.
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