NATS COMPLETE DEAL FOR SORIANO
The Washington Nationals acquired second baseman Alfonso Soriano from the Texas Rangers for outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge, and minor-league pitcher Armando Galarraga.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
For the first time since Vladimir Guerrero left as a free agent two years ago, this franchise has a big-time impact hitter in Soriano. A true offensive force, Soriano is a three-time member of a 30-homer/30-steal club and is an extremely aggressive hitter who will pile up the strikeouts but more than make up for it with his terrific run production and power. With Jose Vidro planted at second base, the plan is to shift Soriano to left field. But they may only have him for one year, since he's eligible to become a free agent after the 2006 season.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
The last thing the Rangers needed was more sluggers, so this could be the prelude to a deal for pitching. But, assuming the roster stays as it is, they started off by acquiring a strong, hard-nosed player in Wilkerson. He's coming off a disappointing season, but he has the potential to slug 20-30 homers, which will be a lot easier at Ameriquest Field in Texas. And, unlike Soriano, he knows how to take a walk and is a good defensive player in left field or center (the latter being his likely destination). Sledge has an intriguing bat, as a guy who busted out at Triple-A in 2003 with some big numbers, but he hasn't been able to reproduce that production in the majors. Granted, he spent most of 2005 on the DL with a hamstring injury, but, turning 29 in March, he may be looking at fourth-outfielder duties at best in Texas. Finally, there's Galarraga, a slightly-built but tall righty who saw injuries slow his development a few years ago. A promising sinker/slider pitcher, he struggled after a promotion to Double-A at mid-season in 2005 and still might need a year or two in the minors before having a shot at cracking the Texas rotation.
Fantasy impact
