Alfonso Soriano

At 48 years old, Alfonso Soriano has this physical status:

Professional career

Soriano began his professional baseball career in Japan with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, who were training at their Carp Academy for Dominican players. Soriano played in Japan in the minor Western League in 1996. He was invited to the varsity team in 1997 and played in nine games, batting.118 (2 for 17) with two walks.

Soriano disliked the rigorous Japanese workout schedule, and the Carp refused him a salary increase from $45,000 to $180,000 per year. Soriano recruited Don Nomura to assist Hideo Nomo and Hideki Irabu, who had previously left Japan to play in the United States, to assist him. Nomura advised Soriano's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) deal first, after unsuccessfully arguing that the player was legally a juvenile when he signed it, Nomura told him, like Nomo, that he should drop from NPB and pursue a career in baseball. This prompted Carp executives to file an injunction against Soriano and to mail letters to MLB teams requesting that all negotiations with him be stopped. Following the Nomo case, NPB officials modified the Working Agreement without consulting any MLB executives in an attempt to avoid the situation from repeating. Since MLB had not agreed to any changes to the deal, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig announced that Soriano will be recognized as a free agent on July 13, 1998, but the Carp refused.

In 1998, Soriano began his career as a free agent with the New York Yankees, first as a third baseman and then to second base. In 1999, Soriano was selected to the All-Star Futures Game. Since winning two home runs in the tournament, he received the game's Most Valuable Player award.

He appeared in New York for five seasons. In 1999, he had his first appearance in MLB against Norm Charlton of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays when he struck a game-winning home run against Norm Charlton. In 2001, he came in third place for Rookie of the Year awards in third place. Curt Schilling of Arizona won his seventh game of the World Series this year, but Arizona won anyway after Luis Gonzalez hit his series-winning single on a cut fastball closer to Mariano Rivera.

Soriano made history by 2002 by becoming the second Yankee in franchise history to hit 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season (the first being Bobby Bonds in 1975). He led the American League with 696 at bats, 209 runs, 41 stolen bases, 128 runs, and 128 runs, a record for the most strikeouts (27) in a season, with 696 at bats, 209 hits, 209 base hits, 41 stolen bases, 128 runs, and 128 runs. He is one of just six players who have had a 30-homer season in 2009 (39 HR, 23 BB), Iván Rodrn (34–29 in 2005), and José Guillén (31–24 in 2003). In 2002, he led the major leagues in power-speed figures (4.0).

Soriano set the record for most home runs to lead off a game in a season for the second year in a row, finishing in the top ten for base hits, doubles, stolen bases, and strikeouts in 2003. He was also the highest-power speed record in the major leagues in 2003 (36.4).

The Yankees and minor leaguer Joaquin rias, as well as some of Rodr's money, reduced to $67 million from his $179 million salary.

Soriano had six hits in nine innings, the first Texas Ranger to do so — in a 16-15, 10-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers on May 8, 2004. Detroit scored eight runs in the top half of the inning to lead by ten runs over the Rangers, but Texas pulled ten runs in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game, tied for the most runs in a inning by two teams. Soriano was voted the starting second baseman to the All-Star Game the same year. In the first inning, he hit a three-run home run off Roger Clemens, and was named MVP of the game.

He came in fifth place in the AL for stolen bases and third for extra base hits (as well as eighth in strikeouts). He led the major leagues in power-speed (32.7).

Soriano was traded to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge, and minor league pitcher Armando Galarraga on December 7, 2005. Soriano set a new record for the highest compensation ever awarded in arbitration on February 10, 2006, earning $10 million despite the fact that he turned down his offer of $12 million. When Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves set the previous record in 2001, he earned $8.2 million. Soriano was offered a five-year, $50 million contract extension by the Nationals, but Soriano turned down the bid. Instead, Soriano and his partner Diego Bentz decided to start labor talks during the offseason so he would become a free agent.

Nationals manager Frank Robinson called Soriano in the lineup on March 20, 2006. Soriano, who had been playing exclusively at second base, refused to play, and the Nationals organization threatened him with disqualification, which would have resulted in forfeiture of his compensation, and he would not have been paid for service time in fulfilment of his contract's obligations. With his service terms still unfull, he would have been ineligible for free agency at the end of the season. In an exhibition match against the St. Louis Cardinals, Soriano recovered and played in left field for the Nationals. Robinson said he considered Soriano's transfer to left field to be permanent, and that he would not consider moving Soriano back to second base at any time during the season. Soriano said in his remarks after the game that he would accept his new position without further debate. Soriano began enjoying his new position as the season began, and by All-Star break, he led the league in outfield assists. Soriano played for his fifth straight All-Star squad, becoming the third man to start All-Star games in both leagues at two separate positions.

He became the fastest man in baseball history to reach 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases in 929 games on August 25, a week after losing his first record of 1,053 games held by Eric Davis.

He made his 20th outfield appearance in September, becoming the first in baseball history with 40 home runs, 40 stolen bases, and 20 assists.

After Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, and Alex Rodriguez, Soriano stole second base in the first inning to become the fourth player to join the 40-40 club on September 16, Soriano stole fifth base in the first inning. Many believed Soriano's 40-39 season to be the only one "clean" in the steroid controversy, as Canseco, Bonds, and Rodriguez were among the many people concerned. Soriano was also the only one of the four children to reach the milestone while playing at home. He was the first player to reach 40 home runs, 40 stolen bases, and 40 doubles in a single season six days later.

With 67, Soriano set a new career high in walks (previously 38). With 46, he also hit a record in home runs (previously 39). He also led the National League in extra-base hits (89) and the top-speed ratings (43.36), the second-highest single season career record ever.

Because Soriano was in the last year of his deal, the Nationals considered him to be able to serve without compensation until the end of the season, the Nationals considered him to trade before the deadline on July 31. If the Nationals lost Soriano at the start of the season, they would get a first- or second-round draft pick from the team that signed him as compensation and a "sandwich" pick between the first and second rounds as compensation. Soriano did not want to be involved in labor talks during the season. However, Soriano expressed his ardent desire to remain with the team. Both fans and players began to be more vocal in their desire to save Soriano. Soriano's leadership in the clubhouse was lauded by manager Frank Robinson, who also suggested that Soriano be voted MVP of the National League. There were several suitors, including sending Soriano back to the Yankees, and the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers were both interested. However, Nationals general manager Jim Bowden felt that what he was offered was not worth trading him. Before the season ended, the Nationals hoped to lock him in a long-term contract, but the Nationals turned down a $70 million contract on October 12, 2006.

Soriano has been snubbed by the Chicago Cubs to an eight-year deal worth nearly $136 million. The 2014 deal was the most costly in the Cubs' franchise history at the time, and it continued to 2014! It was a no-trade clause, implying that Soriano could not be sold without his permission. Lou Piniella, the Cubs' manager, directed Soriano to play center field but he was later moved to left field after suffering a hamstring injury. He struggled in the first month of the season, despite having a.270 batting average and no home runs. During the Cubs' first game in May, he hit his first home run and then boosted his batting average throughout the month.

In June, Soriano was extremely efficient. Soriano struck three home runs off Lance Cormier in a game against the Atlanta Braves. Soriano had achieved the same feat in his career, as well as against the Atlanta Braves. Soriano was also instrumental in the Cubs' offense during the team's annual Cross-town Classic with the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field. In three games, he has scored in home runs.

His efforts earned him the National League Player of the Month award for June. In the 2007 MLB All-Star Game, he was selected as a reserve outfielder for the National League in the bottom of the ninth inning. During their National League Central chase in June and July, Soriano led the Cubs in home runs, eradicating the Milwaukee Brewers' eight game lead over the division. Soriano tore his right quadriceps during a game against the New York Mets on August 5, following losing the tie for first in early August. While recovering from the injury, the Cubs placed him on the fifteen-day disabled list and predicted that he would miss several weeks while recovering from the injury.

Matt Murton, a retired from the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, was used by the Cubs in left field. He started to show signs of improvement around August 21, when he was seen running and working out with trainers. Soriano said he felt well enough to recover in a few days, but he made his full return on August 28, 2007. Soriano had the most profitable September since his return to the franchise. He had fourteen home runs, twenty-seven runs batted in, and had a.320 batting average in twenty-nine games. Soriano said on his return from the quadrangle injury that he had also been suffering from wrist injuries, and that stretching his leg helped him recover. The Cubs advanced to victory in the National League Central Division, but the Arizona Diamondbacks were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series. Soriano ended the season with thirty-three home runs (including eleven lead-off home runs), seventy runs batted in, and a.299 batting average. He led the Cubs in home runs, triples, runs, strikeouts, and Slugging percentage among all regular starters.

Soriano had a rough start to the 2008 season with the Cubs. He was barely 190 at the time when he was put on the DL with a strained calf. Soriano got off to a good start after being activated, boosting his average to.280 and increasing his home run total. He hit 7 home runs in just 6 games in May, his highest home runs in one week, and his highest output was.500 during that time. He had 12 home runs and 33 RBIs at the end of May. However, his defense was weak, and Soriano was prompted to avoid hopping after being placed on the DL early in the season. After being triggered, it seemed that this was going to have an effect on his game as he misjudged two balls in St. Louis on May 2. After being heavily booed by Cub fans who had travelled to St. Louis for that particular game, he returned in the ninth to bring the game to extra innings. In the 9th inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jason Bay lost a ball in the sun and dropped what would have been the game's final out, allowing Jason Bay to reach safely and eventually costing the Cubs a victory.

Soriano was struck by a pitch and broke a bone just under his left hand's ring finger. Soriano was named a starter in the 2008 MLB All-Star Game on July 7, 2008. However, Matt Holliday of the Colorado Rockies was recalled in the starting lineup due to the injury.

As bad as Alfonso's defense was supposed to be, his arm had just as much aide to the Cubs as well, and he was one of the league's top players in outfield assists. Despite playing in only 109 games, Soriano led the team in home runs. Soriano forged home plate in a loss to his old team, the Washington Nationals, on August 22, in one of baseball's rarest feats.

Soriano had slugging out three home runs with five RBI against the Cincinnati Reds in early September, breaking the Cubs' six-game losing streak. It was his third three-home run game of his career. However, Soriano, the Cubs' quarterback, and virtually every other player on the team, did not do well in the NLDS as the Cubs advanced to the playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On Wednesday, Soriano had an embarrassing moment in a day-night double header in which he was greeted by a long ball that he felt was a home run. He watched it and then trotted down to 1st, but the ball never left the park. He came up with only one. He apologised to his team and promised that it never happened again during games.

Soriano was off to a promising start, winning in his first at bat of the 2009 season. In the 8th game of the young season, Soriano also scored a game-tying solo home run off LaTroy Hawkins in the 8th inning. Soriano defeated Milwaukee 6 to 5 on April 11, after Carlos Villanueva in the top of the ninth. Soriano was named "Play of the Day" by Comcast Sportsnet. Soriano homered on the first pitch he saw from Jeff Suppan, his 51st lead-off home run. Soriano hit the Cubs 8–7 over the St. Louis Cardinals on April 17, with one out in the bottom of the eighth. However, Soriano reached.216 in the month of May.

Soriano came in fourth among NL outfielders (2,692,994 votes), behind Ryan Braun (4,138,559), Ral Iba (4,5,355), and Carlos Beltrán (2,812,295) in voting for the 2009 All-Star Game.

Shortly before the All-Star break, manager Lou Piniella dropped Soriano in the batting order, making it clear that it wasn't a temporary change. Soriano seemed to have embraced not being a leadoff hitter and actually praised his boss for making the correct call, citing the fact that "I'm not doing my job."

Soriano was aided by the batting order change. He made two go-ahead home runs against the Nationals in the first series after the All-Star break. During the 13th inning, he hit the Houston Astros with a walk-off grand slam against the Houston Astros on July 27.

Soriano underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in September 2009.

Soriano led all major league left fielders in errors in 2009, with 11, and had the lowest fielding percentage among them (.950).

Soriano was recalled in the Cubs' top ranking after a poor season in 2009 and where he bounced back to the top games (147 games) that season. He has also hit 40 doubles and 79 RBIs. Soriano was on his 300th home run off of Jake Peavy on June 11, 2010. With seven errors in 2010, he led major league left fielders in errors, including 7, and had the lowest fielding percentage at.968.

Soriano had a less than stellar year on defense and resulted in injuries by a left fielder with 7 out of 7, and had the lowest fielding percentage at.965. He batted.244 runs, drove in 88 runs, and scored 26 home runs.

Soriano had his best year in a long time in 2012, with 32 home runs, his highest batting average in years (.262), and his personal record for RBIs (108), which ranked third in the National League.

He made only one mistake in the field, which was also Soriano's personal record on the field.

Soriano began the 2013 season with the Cubs in 93 games, with a.254 average, 17 home runs, and 51 RBI. In June and July, Soriano's batting average and home run production for the Cubs was especially strong, making him a hot commodity as the trade deadline approaches.

The Cubs traded Soriano to the New York Yankees on July 26, 2013, who paid him $5 million prorated for 2013 and $5 million owed to him in 2014. Corey Black of the Single-A Tampa Yankees was sent by the Cubs to the Cubs on Friday. Soriano hit 2,000 runs in his career on August 11, 2013, a home run off Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander.

Soriano had two home runs and had a career-high six RBIs on August 13, 2013. He ran in seven runs on the next day, breaking his career record set the day before. He was one of only three players in the live-ball era to run in at least six runs in back-to-back games (the other two being Rusty Greer in 1997 and Geoff Jenkins in 2001). He was also one of seven players to reach 13 RBI in a two-game run, but fell just two RBI shy of the all-time record set by former Yankee Tony Lazzeri.

Soriano batted in 18 runs in four games from August 13 to 16, tying the Major League record for most RBI in four consecutive games. Soriano also hit 13 runs in this stretch, becoming the only player in MLB history with 18 RBI and at least 12 hits in a four-game stretch. Jim Bottomley (St. Louis Cardinals, July 6–9, 1929), Lou Gehrig (New York Yankees, August 28–31, 1936), and Sammy Sosa (Chicago Cubs, August 8–11, 2002). Soriano was named AL Player of the Week for August 12 to 18.

Soriano's second home runs in his career, on August 27, was his second in two runs. Soriano appeared in 58 games for the remainder of the 2013 season with 17 home runs and 50 RBI. Soriano played 151 total games in 2013, including the two clubs, with 34 home runs and 101 RBI.

Soriano made the 2014 season as the designated hitter and also played at right field, thanks to Carlos Beltrán and Jacoby Ellsbury's signings. As he struggled at the plate, his playing time became limited. Soriano was tagged for assignment by the Yankees on July 6, 2014. He was released on July 14 and had been detained indefinitely. Soriano batted.221 with 6 home runs and 23 RBI in 67 games.

He stated:

Soriano's 412 home runs put him in 53rd position on the all-time list at the time of his retirement.

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