Alfonso Soriano (2B) NYY

ALFONSO SORIANO - NEW YORK YANKEES

Second Base
Age: 24 (January 7, 1978)
Height: 6-1 Weight: 180
Throws: Right Bats: Right



History

Alfonso Soriano was signed by Japan’s Hiroshima Toyo Carp out of the Dominican Republic in November 1994. Forced to retire in order to be eligible to play in the United States, Soriano signed a four-year contract with the New York Yankees on September 29, 1998, worth $3.1 million. Soriano proceeded to tear up the Arizona Fall League and the 1999 Futures Game, leading to speculation of a bright future for this young superstar.

Soriano continued to showcase his talent during his rise throughout the minor leagues, and soon became well-known as a top prospect. Concerns circled around Soriano’s future in the big leagues, as he was currently playing shortstop, the position which was occupied by Derek Jeter in the majors. A low walk rate soon dulled the hype for the young phenom, and some talent evaluators even dropped Soriano behind fellow middle-infielder D’Angelo Jimenez, who was working his way through the minors with Soriano.

Soriano received brief tastes of the big leagues in 1999 and 2000, but never received substantial playing time as to solidify his status on the major league roster. He flashed his power and speed, but walked once and struck out 18 times in 58 at-bats. Combined with a batting average that hovered around .l75, Soriano did little to impress big league scouts.

Undeterred by the jibes of his critics, Soriano pushed forward and put up solid numbers in 2001. His .268 average and 29 walks weren’t indicative of his potential, but his 34 doubles, 18 homers, and 43 steals provided a glimpse of the future. Nobody realized just how bright that future might be.

Hope

Soriano impressed with his 2001 campaign, and provided hope for the Yankees as they tried to regain champion-status heading into 2002. Perhaps their most valuable player, the Yankees hoped Soriano could blossom into the top second baseman in baseball. They never could have imagined what happened next.

Explosion

Not surprisingly, Soriano exploded to post outstanding numbers in 2002. He has become the first 30-30 second baseman in major league history, and is on pace for 41 homers and 43 steals. Soriano has improved in virtually every key statistical category. He is on pace for an unbelievable 57 doubles, and a few of those could even convert to homers in the future.

Fortunately for Soriano, his slip in plate discipline has not reduced his overall production; rather, he has been successful by swinging at nearly every pitch he is thrown. Soriano has hit an exceptional .330 on the road this season, a testament to his concentration and dedication to the game. Should Soriano keep up at his current pace, his final numbers would read .306-41-102 with 127 runs scored and 43 stolen bases, all amongst the league leaders.

The Future

Soriano’s future is brighter than any other player in baseball. While his fielding isn’t exceptional, Soriano recently converted from shortstop and is still learning his new position. With the ability to play second, third short, and outfield, Soriano could easily adapt to virtually any position on the field.

Soriano shows an advanced knowledge of the game for his age, and should only continue to improve. Scouts not only rave about his potential to be a 50-50 man, they also claim he may be the first 60-60 man in major league history. Soriano is for real. Reader beware, for Soriano will dominate for a very long time.

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Richie Madden
Indians Lead Correspondent