Alfonso Soriano Announces Retirement

Longtime big leaguer Alfonso Soriano has annunced his retirement from the game, reports Hector Gomezof Dominican outlet Listin Diario (via Twitter).  The 38-year-old played in parts of 16 MLB seasons, including thirteen as a full-time regular. 

Soriano was once one of the most consistent power threats in the game.  Between 2002 and 2013, Soriano averaged 624 trips to the plate per season, slashing .273/.324/.511.  He hit 385 home runs (32 per year) and stole 243 bags (20 a season) over that stretch. 

Soriano appeared in seven straight All Star games (2002-08).  While generally subpar defensive marks hurt his overall value, Soriano was ultimately worth just under 40 fWAR in his career, though he checked in at less than 30 rWAR. 

The Dominican native started and ended his career in pinstripes, joining the Yankees after an early-career stint in Japan.  He was later dealt to the Rangers and then on to the Nationals, where he moved from second to the outfield, and ultimately signed an eight-year, $136MM deal with the Cubs. 

That massive contract had its ups and downs, but Soriano ultimately swung an above average bat in every year except for a rough 2009.  He spent the tail end of the deal back in New York after a deadline deal, delivering an excellent stretch of play late in 2013.  But he struggled to get it going last year, and was ultimately cut loose by the Yanks in mid-season. 

The Yankees teams he played for were consistently competitive.  Maybe if you adjust for his peers, MB923, the numbers might be closer.  I completely lost track of him when the Yankees shipped him to Texas. 

I remembered when he first signed that deal with the cubs.  It was my first off season I payed attention to.  O how I hated that deal.  Even when he helped in 07/08, o still didnt like that deal. 
In the end he was a okay guy.  He falls under one of those that never lived up to his contract, and should never lead off lol. 
Before we traded him I finally found respect for him.  Thanks for being apart of some memories Sori.  Have fun in retirement.  Start signing now yea? 

I hope not.  He had talent, but I really not sure if he is the best person to coach.  Coach should be able to teach the correct approach, not sure a guy that is really physically talented, but missing other is the best. 

This is shaping up to be a pretty impressive retiring class.  Jeter, Konerko, Dunn, Soriano, Abreu, Beckett, all very impressive careers.  Lots of all-stars.  Youkilis, Zambrano, Dempster, Roberts.  I am sure I am missing some, and there are more that have hinted at retirement. 

If Rivera holds the 9th Inning Game 7 lead against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Alfonso Soriano is a Yankee/New York (what it would’ve meant post 9-11) legend. 

With the game tied 1-1 he hit a Solo HR in the 8th off of Curt Schilling. 
2-1 Yankees lead.  Because of Sori we were 3 outs away from 5 titles in 6 years. 

Thank You Soriano.  You were a free swinger, but a potent power hitter, and a speedster in his prime.  Always a 40/40 candidate.  Glad he got his return to NY in the end of his career, never wanted to see him traded in the 1st place.