Background: Like the Concorde and Nirvana, Soriano broke the mold. He arrived from Japan as a second baseman and turned into a mini-Hank Aaron. Soriano averaged 32 home runs over three seasons for the Yankees. But he was the necessary piece to acquire Alex Rodriguez, so they shipped him to Texas. It was a two-year layover, his rising price tag forcing the Rangers to unload him because they didn’t see his future in the infield. After initially refusing to play in the outfield for the Nationals in spring training, Soriano relented and followed the company line, knowing a free-agent windfall awaits this winter.
What’s up: Soriano has become Rickey Henderson reincarnate, acting as a catalytic force at the top of the Nationals’ order. With Soriano hitting leadoff since May 12, the Nationals have taken off and revived their season. They are sniffing .500 again after being buried in April. All Soriano has done in his past 26 games is hit .366 with a .439 on-base percentage, 13 home runs and 26 RBIs. His 13 home runs from the top spot are more than Preston Wilson, Derek Jeter and Steve Finley have combined this season.
What’s next: With Albert Pujols out at least a month, Soriano moves into history’s express lane, having a real shot to post the greatest nonsteroid-tainted home run season. At his current pace, Soriano would finish with 62 home runs, topping Roger Maris’ mark, which grew in significance after Barry Bonds went BALCO, and Mark “I am not here to talk about the past” McGwire and Sammy “No habla English” Sosa embarrassed themselves in front of Congress.
Renck’s take: Two things make Soriano great: He’s stronger than you think and he uses a huge bat. This allows him to have insane plate coverage – he pulls outside pitches for home runs – and incredible power. Catchers Sal Fasano and Gary Bennett, when asked if anyone’s home runs sound like Bonds off the bat, both mentioned Soriano. Sure, he’s an amusement park ride in left field, but his decision to play out there was shrewd. Showing a willingness to move off second base – where he was a butcher – will provide more suitors this offseason when teams open the vault.
