Feb. 15, 2004 By Michael Fabiano Commissioner.COM Fantasy Writer
Somewhere in the heavens, amid the baseball diamonds in the sky, Babe
Ruth is smiling.
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The New York Yankees pulled off arguably the biggest deal in
major-league history Sunday, acquiring Alex Rodriguez from the Texas
Rangers in exchange for Alfonso Soriano and a player to be named later,
almost certain to be a minor-league prospect.
The reigning American League Most Valuable Player will move from
shortstop to third base, effectively replacing the injured Aaron Boone.
He will hit third in the Yankees' lineup, behind Kenny Lofton and Derek
Jeter and ahead of Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield and Bernie
Williams in what can be described as the new "Murderer's Row."
While it might sound absurd for a player of his caliber, A-Rod's move to
the Big Apple makes him even more valuable from a Fantasy
perspective. Not since his days in Seattle has he had the type of lineup
protection he will enjoy in New York. Backed by Giambi, Sheffield and
Williams, Rodriguez will see more pitches -- and better pitches -- than
at any point during the past eight seasons. In addition, A-Rod will give
owners greater position flexibility in most leagues.
The Yankees lineup has all the components to score a 1,000-plus runs,
especially when you consider Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada, the team's
Nos. 7 and 8 hitters, combined to drive in 207 runs last season.
Alex Rodriguez will be wearing pinstripes in 2004.(Getty Images)
That gives starters Mike Mussina, Javier Vasquez and Kevin
Brown added Fantasy value and makes Jose Contreras and Jon
Lieber even more appealing as potential sleepers. It could also
serve as a launching pad to another 50-save season for closer Mariano
Rivera, who was truly dominant in the 2003 postseason.
Soriano is expected to play second base in Texas, with Michael Young
moving to the vacated shortstop position. He will join an up-and-coming
infield that already includes Young, Mark Teixeira and Hank
Blalock.
Rangers manager Buck Showalter might also elect to move Soriano to
center field, which would improve his own position flexibility on
Fantasy teams.
While he no longer has the same type of protection in the Rangers'
lineup, Soriano will still be a major catalyst for Showalter. He likely
will slip into Rodriguez's No. 3 spot in the batting order, behind Young
and Blalock and ahead of Brian Jordan, Brad Fullmer and Teixeira.
Soriano's potential as a 30-30 player will keep him among the most
coveted second baseman in the league, so don't expect a major decrease
in his stock on Draft Day.
