The Cubs and Yankees are discussing a trade that would send Alfonso Soriano back to the Bronx. Alfonso Soriano gave the Cubs a list of teams he would approve a trade to during a meeting with Theo Epstein and Dale Sveum on Tuesday night, and the Yankees were on the list.
Alfonso Soriano met with the media prior to Wednesday’s game and said that he has spoken with his family about a possible trade and received their support to do what he feel is best. Soriano said he would like to finish his career with the Cubs but also wants another shot at winning a World Series and he realizes the Cubs are a few years away from contending.
Alfonso Soriano said he would accept a trade to the Yankees. And the Sun-Times reported it could take a day or two to finalize a trade that would send Soriano to the Yankees.
Theo Epstein addressed the situation prior to Wednesday’s game and said there would not be any official notice to the club before tomorrow (Thursday) at the earliest as to whether Soriano will accept a trade or not. Soriano asked the Cubs for a couple of days and he will let the team know at that point if he will accept a trade or not. Epstein said once Soriano makes his decision, it is up to them if they want to more forward and finalize a deal.
Alfonso Soriano was told other teams are interested in trading for him. Soriano believes there is a good chance he could be traded to the Yankees and he told the media he wouldn’t say no to a trade to the Yankees.
Soriano was held out of Wednesday’s game to give him a break to clear his mind after his meeting with Epstein and Sveum on Tuesday night. Soriano said there was no rush to get a deal done because there are five or six days before the deadline and he knows the Cubs’ front office is trying to make the best deal they can for him.
Theo Epstein thinks it is “an appropriate time” for Soriano to move to another team. Epstein said if Soriano agrees to a trade and the Cubs can find a deal they are happy with it would allow the team to keep Junior Lake in the lineup and create playing time for Ryan Sweeney and Brian Bogusevic when they return from the DL. Epstein said, “We’re in a mode where we’re looking to give opportunities to young players.”
David DeJesus
David DeJesus returned from the DL on Wednesday and while the Cubs like what DeJesus brings to the clubhouse, Theo Epstein pointed out no one is untouchable and they would weigh what is best for the team if they receive offers for DeJesus.
DeJesus said he would like to stay with the Cubs.
Nate Schierholtz
According to Bruce Levine there were ten scouts in attendance watching numerous Cubs’ players on Wednesday including Nate Schierholtz.
The Pirates are still interested in Schierholtz and have been watching him for more than a month.