Soriano Watch 2013 (Updated)

(Courtesy of US Presswire)

You'd think the Yankees were getting Alfonso Soriano in his prime the way it's getting covered right now.  That's how bad this offense is.  It's kinda funny actually.

The talks heated back up yesterday and Soriano was scratched from the Chicago lineup last night.  Manager Dale Sveum confirmed to the local media that a trade to New York was nearly complete, and according to Paul Sullivan, Soriano flew back to New York late last night, presumably to be in town for tonight's home game.  The hold up over the past few days was probably about money, and this morning Joel Sherman reported that the Yanks will pick up between 8-12 and the $25 million owed to Soriano.

As for the return trade piece, Buster Olney said yesterday that it was going to be a low-level pitching prospect.  There's no official confirmation of who that player is, but Sherman threw Corey Black's name out there.  Expect this deal to be announced sometime today with the missing bits of information filled in.

** UPDATE 8:32 AM- ESPN NY reporting that Soriano has officially waived his no-trade clause and the trade is official.  Cubs picking up $17.7 mil of the remaining money and the Yanks the other $6.8, $5 mil of which they will pay next year. **

** UPDATE 10:20 AM- Sherman now confirming that Corey Black will be the return trade chip.  Bit of a bummer to lose him.  He's got plus stuff and was pitching well this year.  Long-term he probably projects as a middle reliever for the Yankees though, so no major loss. **