The New York Yankees, desperate for right-handed power, have hurdled an obstacle in dealing for Chicago Cubs outfielder and former Yankee Alfonso Soriano--Alfonso Soriano.
The Cubs outfielder had a no-trade clause that the two teams were unsure he would accept a trade out of the Friendly Confines, but reports today have surfaced that Soriano informed Chicago he'd accept a trade to New York.
Speaking with reporters Soriano said, "I have a list. The Yankees are on the list. I talked to my family and my family supports me in any kind of decision that I make. It's good to hear that from my family, especially from my wife. My wife said any decision you make I will support."
Cubs executive Theo Epstein addressed a possible Soriano deal saying, "I know he made some comments to you guys, but there won't be any official notice to the club before tomorrow at the earliest as to whether he will except a trade or not. He asked us for a couple of days. He will let us know where he will go, if anywhere. At that point it will be up to us if we want to move forward with finalizing a deal."
This is no small matter regarding a trade. The Cubs have tried to deal him since last season; at the 2012 deadline he nixed two trades by invoking his 10-5 rights. 10-5 players are 10-year veterans who have played the past five seasons with the same team.
Soriano has frequently expressed that he enjoys playing in Chicago, but his desire to win may override that.
"I wanted to stay here for the rest of my contract, but at the same time I want another chance to get into the playoffs and the World Series," Soriano said. "I would have been very happy if we were playing better here with a chance to go to the playoffs, but it's not. I am 37, so I'd like one more chance to go to the World Series. They're preparing to win in 2015, and that's too late for me. I've tried to be a champion here, but now it seems I have to do that for another team."
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