Let’s rethink Soriano

I normally consider Philadelphia Daily News columnist Bill Conlin’s columns to be a waste of newsprint, but he’s got a piece in today’s paper about why the Phils shouldn’t sign Alfonso Soriano that actually made me stop and think.

I’ve been a pretty big proponent of bringing Soriano to Philadelphia. He would bring both protection for Ryan Howard and more speed to what is (if the team can find a taker for Pat Burrell) an already speedy lineup.

But Conlin makes some good points against signing Soriano, including the fact that Soriano strikes out a lot:

Should the Phillies turn the current staying-in-the-news hints that they might actually pursue a free agent who could cost as much as $105 million (insert laugh track here) for 7 years into reality, there is a deal-breaker.

And here it is:

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That’s how 473 strikeouts look all lined up to march into box scores, ready to kill rallies. That’s how many times Ryan Howard (181), Soriano (160) and Utley (132) walked slowly back to the dugout last season.

You’re talking about the 3-4-5 spots in the Phillies’ batting order. And, yes, the thought of the 136 homers they hit last season is intoxicating. However, the mind boggles at the stranded RISP numbers all those strikeouts represent.

The problem with the Phillies is that they too often fail to come through in the clutch. This a failing that frequently gets pinned on Burrell, but the truth is that Ryan Howard’s numbers with runners in scoring position aren’t very good, either. Getting rid of Burrell would be good, but replacing him with another strike out prone hitter might not be the best idea.

Then again, there are so many reasons to sign Soriano, as new Phils 3B coach Davie Lopes points out:

“This is a good team, good city, good park for him,” Lopes said. “He’s just an outstanding guy. Pound-for-pound, I’ve never seen anyone hit the ball farther. And he brings energy to the park. Every day, he comes in with a smile and is ready to play. He has the ability to elevate and pick up people.”

In the past, the Phils have been criticized for not having the right attitude. Soriano is said to have a great attitude. The Phils have been too slow. Soriano is fast. Plus, Soriano had a big year playing in a big park for a bad team while hitting leadoff. Imagine what he could do with the Phillies playing in a tiny park hitting behind Ryan Howard?

Then again, imagine how many times he could strike out.