I am a lifelong Yankee fan and if this trade is true, i want to make some comments.

First, it is a shocker and I am kind of stunned. I am not however leaping off the table in a state of joy because I liked Soriano so I have mixed feelings. A-Rod is clearly the better offensive player but i think the deal is terrific for Texas for the following reasons.

1) A-Rod was miserable in Texas and his contract was kiling them.

Statistically, I think you can take 10% off of A-Rod's HR totals and add 10% to Soriano's so they may both hit 40-45 next year. A-Rods' average and rbi's will likely improve being in the Yankee lineup; not sure about Soriano's but he may still hit .290-.310

For Texas though, the savings will allow them to pursue pitching and better balance their ball club.

For the Yankees:

1) This destroys the spirit of the Mets and will not help the Red Sox fans.

2) It improves their overall offense

BUT:

1) Do we really know that A-Rod will be happy at 3b even though he is a superior defensive player to Jeter?

I think the Yankees know that they are fighting off a possible decline here and Soriano was awful in the postseason so they made the move and hopefully it will work out for them.

I am hoping that Bernie Williams can beat off Lofton and bat 2nd behind Jeter, put Travis Lee at 1b (if they get him) and let Giambi DH; otherwise, Lofton will lead off and Bernie will hit 6th assuming a Jeter, Sheffield, A-Rod, Giambi 2-5 part of the lineup.

2b: who knows...he better be a whiz of a defensive player.