The issue of the potential return of Alfonso Soriano has weighed heavily on my mind since I first heard it mentioned on a media/radio report 10-12 days ago during the saga of that moderately above average pitcher who recently signed with Houston.***

My first reaction is to categorically dismiss the notion, then you travel to Baseball-Reference.com and notice .307/.360/.623. Salivate. However, someone with those kind of power numbers and 22 bombs should have an OBP higher than approx. 30 bps above the league average.

First and foremost: Would sufficient value be created for both teams to achieve a deal? I am not convinced of the value proposition for Washington...I've read gauzy claims of "clearing the decks" and "new management" without seeing any concrete advantages, save a Loria-esque pure salary dump.

Moving to the Yankees, It's clear that Melky has solidified his position as a regular corner outfielder. Does the value of the remaining outfield rotation surpass AS's value minus his price? Perhaps the promising Kevin Thompson should be given several at bats to determine his marginal value...if it's anything like Melky, then a Soriano trade is obviated.

The media reports ad nauseam that Soriano longs for New York...does this provide Cashman with additional leverage?

Your thoughts?

***Large, pungently sour grapes.