Texas signed 2B-R Alfonso Soriano to a one-year, $7.5M contract last week before teams needed to exchange arbitration figures with players. Despite his questionable plate discipline, Soriano continues to post a decent batting average, which he complements with considerable power and solid speed. Unfortunately, his plate discipline problems leave him vulnerable to slumps, and his salary appears to be outpacing his production.

Earlier in the off-season, Soriano's name factored prominently in trade rumors, and although the Rangers dismissed that discussion, I expect his name to continue to circulate the rumor mill. Texas possesses one of the better middle infield prospects in the game in the form of Ian Kinsler. Meanwhile, in April of 2004, SS-R Michael Young signed a four-year, $10M contract that includes a team option for 2008. Young may be less than ten months younger than Soriano, but he will cost much less and likely offer greater production. The Rangers likely will pursue a multi-year contract with Soriano, who currently will be eligible for free agency following the 2006 season, however unless the club stumbles into a sweetheart deal or enters a tight pennant race, I suspect Texas will move the second baseman before August.