What A Year With Soriano

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He arrived in a Firestorm of Controversy. Refusing to take the field in an exhibition game--unwilling to play the new position demanded of him by, his employer, Our Washington Nationals. Eventually, he would succumb, play the outfield and, in 2006, become Washington's most BELOVED AND EXCITING player. Swinging a strong bat, stealing bases-making every outfield play an adventure, all its own--Alfonso Soriano was truly an ALL Star. No Player in recent memory comes to the plate to jack the ball out of the park--each and every at bat. The first baseball player, in the history of the game, to Slam 40 Homers, Steal 40 Bases, hit 40 Doubles--and even record 20 Outfield assists. No matter what the score was in any Nats Game--when Alfonso stepped to the plate, everyone stopped to look. He was MUST SEE. Many fans wanted the team to resign Alfonso, including me (Just for the sanctity of my household--The African Queen,a HUGE Alfonso supporter). Number 12 stating how much he Loved Washington, Loved His Teammates,and Loved The Fans. Alfonso Soriano brought a tremendous amount of excitement to RFK Stadium.


And, now he's gone. Despite all the talk about how much he enjoyed playing in The Nation's Capitol--Money talked and Won, like it almost always does, over Heart--Soriano signing a, MONSTER, 8 year, $136 Million (supposedly NO Trade Clause) contract with The Chicago Cubs. Our Nationals, unwilling to get into a bidding war, locking themselves into spending a ton of cash--with so many more holes to fill.

Fully understanding why Washington let him walk, and agreeing with the decision--it still hurts to see such an Outstanding Player--probable Hall Of Famer--depart. You never really knew what Alfonso was going to do in any game, from inning to inning. He may well jack the ball right out of the park, slamming it off the centerfield green wall at RFK--or, he might strikeout, showing no patience, with the bases loaded--swinging at everything. And, you would scratch your head in amazement--at both those feats. Soriano is an intoxicating player.


The Alfonso!! SORIANO!!! Cheer, the focal point for all the noise in Section 320 during the 2006 sesaon. Enjoyed immensely among the Section 320 Faithful, the chant became wildly popular among other fans sitting along the 3rd base line, throughout the season. Soriano, personally acknowledging the cheer to me on the night of September 28/morning of September 29th, the famous Midnight Start Game against the Phillies--when rain delayed the beginning of the game, but MLB insisting the game be played due to its playoff implications. During the 7th inning stretch, The NatPack invited me up on top of the Nationals 3rd Base Dugout to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and throw Tee-Shirts to the sparse crowd of no more than 250 fans. I took the opportunity to turn around, place my hand, palm up, toward Alfonso--leaning against the dugout railing--yelling out "Alfonso!!" Number 12 immediately slapping my hand and replying--"SORIANO!!" Me--pointing at him--"YOU THE MAN!" Soriano saying "YEAH BABY!!"--laughing the entire time. Austin Kearns and Mike O'Connor--standing next to him--enjoying the moment. That cheer alone--worth so many goods times during this past completed season. Its going to be hard to replace that chant.

It didn't take long for Alfonso to prove to Jose Guillen and Jose Vidro, that, YES, you can hit homers at RFK Stadium. Soriano slamming 3 homers, on one night, last April 21st--two off Atlanta's John Smoltz. His bat was hot--most all season long--until September. Slamming a titanic blast, on May 9th, off Cincinnati's Brian Shakelford, that went over the Black Batters Eye Building in Deep Centerfield at The Great American Ballpark--and bouncing, on two hops--into the Ohio River. Knocking a Grand Slam in Milwaukee on June 4th to complete a 3 Game Sweep of the Brewers, Flat Out Clubbing a Huge Shot into Ashburn Alley to Deep Centerfield on August 18 at Citizens Bank Park, in Philadelphia--A game The African Queen and I witnessed. And, then, pounding a game tying bottom of the 9th--2 run shot, off Arizona's, Jorge Julio (The Perfect Storm Setup of the season)--this on September 2nd--a daytime makeup game on a dreary, murky day--after torrential downpours in the DC area, cancelled the game from the night before.

But, his play was not all about the big stick--Alfonso runs like a loping deer--just fast enough to get to where he's heading--and he uses that God Given talent to play game changer on the basepaths. Once Soriano reaches any base, he's a threat to steal. So much so--more often than not--the opposing teams catcher was planted, back on his heels, worried--that Alfonso might take off--on just about every single pitch. That worry, usually brought disaster to catchers making a rushed toss, the ball scooting through to centerfield or down the left field line--Alfonso scoring a run, without the help of any of his teammates. I can't tell you how much I witnessed this at RFK in 2006. It seemed to happen most every game.

Soriano was a disaster in the field at the start of the season. Unwilling to make a total fool of himself, he would play so far back, near the warning track, that routine blooping knocks, usually easily caught--would drop in for singles. As the season progressed, he became more comfortable, reacting more instinctively to liners and drives hit his way. His Graduation Day coming on May 25th, at RFK Stadium, against the Astros, a 8-5 win, more famous for Frank Robinson crying after the game for taking struggling catcher, Matt LeCroy, out of the game, in mid at bat. LeCroy having a terrible day behind the plate.

As I posted that day, with Morgan Ensberg at the plate, Brad Ausmus at first--Ensberg DRILLS a line drive that is going DIRECTLY OVER SORIANO'S HEAD. He mis-reads the track and comes IN ON THE BALL. Its OVER HIS HEAD. He realizes it, at the last moment,jumps back toward the ball AND AT THE VERY LAST SPLIT SECOND, LOOKING LIKE MICHAEL JORDAN SILHOUETTED IN HIS PRIME AS ONLY A GREAT ATHLETE CAN DO, SNARES THE BALL WITH A SNOWCONE CATCH!!!!!! Ausmus, believing, like everyone AT RFK that it was a clear double, had already passed 2nd and was going to 3rd. Soriano, ON THE FLY!! THROWS TO ROYCE CLAYTON WHO RELAYS TO NICK JOHNSON AT FIRST TO DOUBLE HIM OFF BASE AND END THE THREAT!! It was absolutely one of the most amazing sequences in baseball I have EVERY WITNESSED.

Soriano became a legitimate outfielder that day--trusting his athletic ability to get the job done. Yeah, he would still make some mind boggling errors over the course of the season--at times show little interest in the game while standing out in left--but, Alfonso used his Strong Arm to throw out daring runners--and his skill to track down balls. No longer would he fear chasing a hard hit ball to the wall, or down the left field line, foul territory--near the stands.

When Alfonso Soriano steps to the podium in Chicago at his Cubs Introductory News Conference--he better thank THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS--who, in demanding that he change position--have righted his career--making him a most valuable player--one of the top wage earners in the history of the game.

With The Nationals well out of contention this past September, Alfonso totally turned toward the personal goals--40/40 Club, 20 Outfield Assists and 100 Runs Batted In. The more he pressed, the less he produced. Soriano's September was downright awful--he struggled all month long. But, it did not take away from his Glorous Night, September 16, against the Brewers, at RFK Stadium, when an entire contingent of Family & Friends joined Section 320 for the evening. Number 12 would lead off the bottom of the first and single off Milwaukee Starter, Dave Bush. Then, on a 2-0 count to Felipe Lopez, Alfonso took off for second--sliding head first into second. No throw from the Brewers catcher, Mike Rivera. Soriano had stolen his 40th base of the season--reaching a cherished goal--member of the 40 Home Run/40 Steals Club. And, the party began!!--especially in Section 320. The noise so loud from Alfonso's Family and Section 320 regulars, the two troops combining for so much noise, everyone along the 3rd base side turned to look. Alfonso flashing his Pearly Whites, joyfully relishing HIS MOMENT!!


Alfonso Soriano would finish his one year in Washington, batting .277, Smashing 46 Homers, Knocking in 95 Runs, Stroking 46 doubles and stealing 41 bases. And, just for show, threw out 22 baserunners around the diamond. He had a SPECTACULAR SEASON.

All this, after arriving inflamed in controversy, announcing he had no intention of moving from his preferred 2nd base to left field. And, when he refused to step on the field in Viera, Florida, this past March, General Manager, Jim Bowden threatened to put Soriano on the Disqualified List, taking away his entire $10 Million Paycheck for the season. Baseball Authorities, throughout the game, were stunned by Soriano's decision, The Media let loose on him--calling Alfonso idiotic and downright selfish--and, most importantly-- ALFONSO WAS, IMMEDIATELY, HATED BY JUST ABOUT EVERY SINGLE WASHINGTON NATIONALS FAN. Fans that had yet to see him step to the plate, one single time. No doubt--I was in the majority on this rant.

Jimbo looked like an idiot, trading away a popular, but, fairly above average player in Brad Wilkerson, along with outfielder, Terrmel Sledge and minor league pitcher Armando Gallaraga. Bowden's trade with the Texas Rangers smelled like someone looking to make the BIG SPLASH--another self promoter looking at himself first--the Nationals second. And, sure enough, when Jimbo was publicly seeking the Boston Red Sox General Manager's position last winter--no one could have thought otherwise.

Cooler heads would, eventually prevail. The Red Sox wanted no part of Bowden and Soriano--after refusing to step on the field that March night--and seeing the entire baseball world against him--smilingly agreed to the move to Left Field.


When it was all said and done--Alfonso Soriano had a MAGICAL SEASON with Our Washington Nationals. A fan favorite like no other--the most hated player in DC last March--was able to turn around the fan base--and in leaving town--a fan base, now, mourning his loss. Many good and great players may well don a Nationals Home Jersey in the years to come--But, I doubt we will see such a Dynamic and Charismatic Personality.


Though missing Alfonso greatly, I will recover from his loss, but, for The African Queen, THE GAMES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. For her, a DEATH has come--the mourning just beginning.

Soriano, a Cub?

As we all expect, Alfonso Soriano will not be wearing a Washington Nationals uniform next year. Despite our biggest hopes that the Lerners will fufill our desires, and seats in the stadium, by signing one of the most dynamic players out there, the reality is that #12 for the Nationals will not be Alfonso Soriano. It appears that we will be able to see him play next year. MLB.com is reporting that Alfonso Soriano will be a Chicago Cub next year. An announcement is expected Monday that he has been inked to an 8 year, $135 million contract. This comes after the Cubs re-signed Aramis Ramirez, Kerry Wood, Henry Blanco, signed Mark DeRosa and traded for Neal Cotts. I know the African Queen will be greatly disappointed by this, however I hope to still see her at games nest season. As you all know the regulars of section 320 make the games as much fun as the Nats do (and sometimes more fun depending on how the team is playing).

Catching Up With Screech

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I was pleased to read that Our Washington Nationals are opening up 2 new Team Stores in the Washington, DC area. The One and only Team Store, at RFK Stadium, is a bit out of the way, both during the normal business day, and even on non-game weekends. With the new outlets at White Flint Mall in Rockville, Maryland and the second at The Washington Square Office/Retail Complex at 1050 Connecticut Ave. NW (Conn. & L Streets), The Nationals need to add one to Northern Virginia to complete the trifecta and grow from there. Not surprisingly, both new stores are on properties owned by The Nats Ownership, The Lerners.

In fact, the Downtown DC location is right across Farragut Square from The Orioles Team Store that no one apparently shops, since the former Montreal Expos moved to our Nation's Capitol in 2005. That Orioles Store will close its doors, forever, very soon. The Washington Square Nats Store with open this Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. The opening of additional new Team Stores, is, yet, another sign that Our Washington Nationals are becoming an entity all their own, and away from the vagabond days of MLB Ownership.


The first of the new stores opened at White Flint, near Bloomingdales on the Second Level of the Mall, yesterday. The African Queen and I were out on Saturday, like just about everyone else in America, getting prepared for the Thanksgiving Feast. The Queen can cook like no other, and we needed to load up on the goodies. As it turned out, we had to pick up something in Rockville, and since Screech and The Racing Presidents were posting up at the White Flint Store to promote the Grand Opening, we just couldn't pass up the opportunity to see MY BEST FRIEND.


As we walked into White Flint, near Bloomingdales on the first level, no Team Store was in site, but, once we looked up, to the next level, lo and behold, there was George Washington standing tall against the upper railing, and we knew we had found the spot. GW recognized us right away as The Section 320's--shaking our hands and inviting us into the Team Store. Screech, at first, was nowhere to be found--apparently off on one of those personal breaks. Then, Tom, from the NatPack came out from the back of the store--pleased to see us. Tom, a favorite of the Section 320 faithful. Later, NatPacker Kenny would join the conversation.


Finally, Screech returned, coming out to greet a young lady visitor. That youngster shyly backing away from Screech as he approached her for a hug. As Screech turned to pickup and autograph a picture for the girl, he took a double take--seeing both The African Queen and I standing there, for the first time--stunned that we made the effort to visit. Screech going into tears, the belly wobble, and the big hugs began--then the pictures--then the catching up on whats been going on during the off season.



5 employees were working the store, 2 lovely young ladies and 3 other, older adults. The Young Ladies were getting a total kick out of the pantomime conversation Screech was having with our audible questions/answers. The Adults looked at us like we were CRAZY!! SCREEEEEEEEECH!!!!, I yelled out, at one point, in the Team Store--I thought the older employees were going to die!!--Screech took in the love, and everybody else got a kick out of it. The conversation went on for about 20 minutes. GW and Abe Lincoln hung out for pictures, then the young lovelies took Screech out for a stroll around the Mall. Sohna and I took the opportunity to chat with Tom and Kenny.




As Screech returned, we said our goodbyes--having to finish off the shopping. Screech telling us that he may well be at the Washington Square Opening on Wednesday afternoon. If work doesn't tie us up, we told him, we would make the effort to attend. Screech giving up the goodbye hugs, waves and gestures--and we were off.




Laughing as we exited Bloomingdales, heading to our car, Sohna and I came across THE SCREECH MOBILE--parked just outside the door. It was just too good. The only thing missing was SCREECH. To have a picture of me driving His Best Friend around would be fabulous. But, we were fortunate enough to get access to the vehicle and snap off some shots. We were told that, now since The Racing Presidents were traveling around with Screech for Public Appearances--The Screech Mobile might be retired for a much larger vehicle. But, we are hoping The Nationals keep this car too, because Screech still needs something to drive around the Warning Track at RFK, before games.

It was good catching up with Screech, Tom & Kenny from The NatPack--My Best Friend thrilled to hear about a Special Christmas/Holiday Gift coming, not only to Section 320's, from us, but also, to Screech and some fortunate others. The African Queen and I were pleased to see a few of our RFK Stadium friends again--reminding both of us, how much we miss attending games at RFK during the off season.

Manny Acta, Z, Mr. Kasten, Mr. Lerner and Chicken Man

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He said all the right things, was engaging, funny and self deprecating during his 30 minutes on stage. But, more than anything else, Our Washington Nationals New Manager, Manny Acta had Presence. At the conclusion of today's Press Conference, at The Washington Square Office Building, in downtown DC, you could easily say, without managing one single game--The Nats new manager has Magnetism and Charisma. You just could not dislike this guy--at least on day one.

To my total surprise (and complete joy!!), my television network assigned me to cover the unveiling of Manny Acta in Washington. I was more than pleased to attend. Taking my digital camera along in tow--attempting to cover the event as fully as possible--but still working for our network. I counted 14 total TV Cameras and an equal amount of snappers, including Ian from The Nationals Pride Blog--shooting the presser for his website. Boswell and Svrluga from The Post, as well as, Ladson from Nationals.com., The Washington Times, Local TV, ESPN, Comcast SportNet, XM Radio--but to my knowledge, No MASN--interesting.


Mr. Kasten stated that The Nationals had not made up their minds on hiring Acta until late last week. But, from the very start--He, along with Bowden were quite impressed with Manny's knowledge and ideas about moving this Franchise Forward. Jimbo glowingly raving that "Manny Acta just fit so many categories, as far as being a leader, a motivator, a disciplinarian, someone that believes in pitching and defenses, someone that believes in playing the game the right way." Bowden going on to state that no one knew of Jim Leyland when he was hired as Pittsburgh Pirates Manager, and everyone knows about Leyland, now. Acta, Jimbo feels, is that same quality talent.


When introduced, Manny stepped to the stage, to great applause from many team employees, including Team Owner, Mark Lerner, and fans surrounding the press area. Noticeably, with tears in his eye, Acta thanked the one person who he could not have made it to this position without--his Wife, Cindy--"Who has been with me this entire rollercoaster ride" Cindy nodding in appreciation of thanks, while sitting next to Nats Star Third Sacker, Ryan Zimmerman. Manny saying, he had to turn to coaching early in life (at age 22) because "I was a terrible player and I didn't want to put anybody else through the pain of watching me." To great laughs.




With that, Jim Bowden presented Manny with his new uniform--Number 14, and, the big guy proudly wrapped the new jersey around himself--all smiles, taking in the enjoyment of the moment. "I like their plan"--the Nats New Manager stated concerning the position both Kasten and Bowden have moved the team toward. "We are going to win here, sooner, than later" Acta went on to talk about how great the entire situation is, with some very young talent and the new ballpark being built on South Capitol Street. "Its an exciting time to be in Washington, DC".
Mr Kasten stated: "I could have not predicted back to when we started that this was going to be our hire. It was getting to know Manny, hearing about him first, meeting him, learning more about him. That's what made out decision fairly easy. He was intent on listening to our plan, how we wanted to go about improving our franchise. I really think we have a manager who is not just on board ready to do the job in the Major Leagues. He is on board with our plan."


"Alfonso Soriano was the very first person to call me to congratulate me on the job. But, I am not dumb enough to think my presence here is the ONLY THING that will bring Fonzie back to the team." Acta went on to insinuate that, when it comes to Soriano--it will be all about money. But, he did say, he still believes, those 2 draft picks, the team would receive if Alfonso leaves, will only help the team, not hurt it. But, "I am not counting anything out, maybe Alfonso will come play for us."

Number 14 said he likes the everyday lineup, currently in place, with, and without Soriano. "I know [on paper] it's a long shot because of the depleted starting rotation, but it is baseball. You never know. We are going to work hard. We are going to do everything possible to win a game on an everyday basis. The bottom line is, pitching and defense wins games. He went on to say "We are going to be a top 5 Revenue Team, we are going to be able to compete with the best clubs. Its a tremendous opportunity and I am honored to be the 2nd Manager of The Washington Nationals."

Acta will be a big draw for the young Latino talent that's developed each and every day in, not only his native Dominican Republic, but all over Latin America. Manny is popular, well known, although "No one is as Popular as Big Papi." (in reference to Boston Red Sox Slugger David Ortiz), he stated. But, you could sense that Washington Management feels Manny will be able to help recruit many of those up and coming ballplayers in the Caribbean that so many teams covet.

Mr. Kasten replying: "When you manage in the Dominican, you are really managing stars. He has this great impressive list of experiences with young kids, developing kids, handling stars and he handled them all superbly every where he has been."

Replying in Spanish, to answer a Latino reporters question--Manny stated, "This is the capital of the world, and this is the world's team. Not America's team -- the world's team."

There are 10 current Nationals Players and Coaches that worked with Acta during his 3 years as Third Base Coach of The Montreal Expos--Pitching Coach, Randy St.Claire and players--John Patterson, Jon Rauch, Chad Cordero, Luis Ayala, Shawn Hill, Nick Johnson, Jose Vidro, Brian Schneider and Ryan Church. Manny RAVED about Randy St.Claire, called the Nats pitching coach, one of the finest minds in the game, "a great teacher and motivator".

The Question and Answer period with the working media, went on for about 30 minutes. And, when the hour was up, Acta, along with Mr. Kasten and Jim Bowden did the grand tour--TV, Radio and Print interviews, until all the media's thirst for the news was fulfilled.

During this time, I had the fabulous opportunity to chat for over 5 minutes with Ryan Zimmerman, casually on the side. Z having only heard about Acta, not meeting him, for the first time, until today--but still liked Manny's youthful exuberance and his excitement for moving Our Nats forward. I asked Ryan whether he was really upset about not winning The Rookie Of The Year Award, yesterday. Zimmerman responded diplomatically, stating "this was a tough year for good rookies--Hanley (Ramirez) was very deserved" Then went on with this great quote: " But, if I keep on having good seasons like I did this past year, and we improve as a team, we are going to win alot, for years, and hopefully go all the way to The World Series. That, is FAR MORE IMPORTANT than just another award."

We went on to talk about the Nats Lineup: Z commenting: "Even if Alfonso doesn't come back, we have a good hitting lineup. We are going to score 4-5 runs each game, most nights. Kearns & Church have power, Nick comes back, hopefully, from injury, he's very valuable; Brian Schneider had a terrific second half, Vidro is a hitting machine when he's healthy, Felipe provides speed. We don't really know about Guzman yet, but we can score" But, what about that starting pitching, if you are giving up 8-9 runs per game, I asked "Yeah, that's the problem", Ryan said, "but, I feel we are working on it. We are going to be alright."

As the conversation continued, we began to talk about what he's been doing this off season. Zimmerman has grown a thick winter beard. So thick, some of the media did not recognize him, at first. Z had not picked up a ball or hit, since the last game on October 1st, but has been working out, running and lifting weights. Lately, he's been in the DC Area, searching for a house to live. Stunningly, he asked me, where I lived and I told him--In Northern Virginia. "Is it a nice place?" he questioned. "Yeah, great neighborhood, you could be my neighbor anytime." We both laughed. I actually gave him some ideas. Zimmerman said he would look into them. With that, the Media came charging in and our conversation ended. We shook hands, with Ryan saying "A pleasure to see you again, I will check into those house ideas."

With that, I moved on--and ran into Stan Kasten, moving from one interview to the next. Very briefly, we shook hands, and I stated "believe it or not, I am actually working this event." Mr. Kasten grabbed a hold of my press credentials hanging around my neck, looked at them and started to chuckle--having no idea I was in the media. "He's a decent hire (I said of Acta)--very funny and self-deprecating" "Yes, he is that" he stated, still laughing at my press credentials, and off he went to the next interview.

Later, Mark Lerner and I got into a conversation--Mr. Lerner enjoying a rabid Nats Fan getting to cover something he enjoys. Mr. Lerner eyes bulging when I mentioned that I have attended virtually every single home game. His sister, Marla, looking at me, laughing "You're NUTS!!"

I would be remiss if I did not mention that another Great Nats Fan-- Hugh (Chicken Man) was in attendance. Hugh, well known for waving the beheaded rubber chicken from behind the 3rd base dugout at every single Nats Home Game, as diehard as I am, showed up to express his pleasure with Manny Acta being hired. Talking to both Mr. Lerner and Mr. Kasten, posing for a picture with Acta and getting Manny to sign his very first autograph as Manager of The Washington Nationals.

Hugh and I chatted for some time, glad to see each other again, and talk about our passion, Nats Baseball.

Manny Acta, a coach not too many knew much about, today, made a good first impression on Washington, DC. He alone, does not solve the many problems still to be worked out in the righting of this franchise. But, you couldn't help but feel good about Manny and this hire, after watching him perform today. He was a Natural, on stage, great with the Media--the type of guy you cheer for. 3 Months until Spring Training, 2007 and, Our Washington Nationals took a Big Step Forward Today.