Phils make offer to Soriano?

By Jared Trexler
The Phanatic

Let the games begin.

Baseball's head honchos left Naples last night or early this morning after a week of wheeling and dealing that resulted in such big-name acquisitions as Mark DeRosa and Wes Helms.

Okay, so the two infielders aren't billboard material, but could be key complementary pieces to Chicago and Philadelphia's success next season.

Speaking of the hometown Phightins, it appears they have made an offer to free-agent slugger Alfonso Soriano. That's if you believe WIP's Howard Eskin -- not many do -- and read between the lines of this morning's piece by Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer Jim Salisbury.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/16031761.htm

Eskin reportedly said on his radio show last night that the Phillies put a six-year, $98-million dollar offer on the table. Again, take the numbers with a grain of salt. The Phillies and Eskin are not exactly on perfect working terms -- so false reports intentionally leaking out of GM Pat Gillick's camp are a possibility.

However, Salisbury's attribution to Gillick makes one point very clear.

The GM is enamored with Soriano's skill set and will do as much as (wisely) possible to sign him.

Whether or not the signing of Soriano is a good one will be debated endlessly on this blog over the next several weeks. Sources say the free agent should be inked (his suitors include the Anaheim Angels, Cubs, Mets, Dodgers and Phillies) by the time general managers convene for the Winter Meetings the first week in December.

Until then, enjoy the Hot Stove fodder and Salisbury's piece.

Good morning Philadelphia.