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Whoa, we traded for Alfonso Soriano (alternative title: "It was all just a dream")

So this is what I get for turning in early last night:

All-Star second baseman Alfonso Soriano was traded by the Texas Rangers to the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night for Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge and a minor league pitcher.

SBN partner in crime Lone Star Ball notes that said "minor league pitcher" is none other than Armando Galarraga, and that's rather troubling. Lone Star Ball loves the trade, and the Natophere (as well as Natmosphere) isn't really feelin' it---though I tend to agree with Chris's perception that Soriano is so overrated (by the national press) that he tends to be underrated (by statheads).

Still:

  • Our team OBP, awful last year, is heading toward "team replacement level";
  • Galarraga is one of only a handful of real prospects the Nats actually have, or had;
  • I thought Sledge was rumored to be dealt for a real centerfielder (Dave Roberts);
  • I think a fair trade, cost included, is simply Wilkerson-for-Soriano, so this seems a bit much; and.
On the positive side, I suppose this is a nice PR move for the team, since it had beaten down Wilkerson in the press and, given all the Evil Empire fans in Nats Nation, Soriano's presence might resonate with the fanbase.

I'll add more later when I have the chance, but for now, I want to thank the those who started the diaries on the trade. I almost fainted in my Total* when I learned of this.

*Speaking of which, in honor of Terrmel Sledge, there should be a breakfast cereal called "Complete".