Tigers in mix to snag SorianoJul 21 - The Tigers remain in the thick of the race to acquire Soriano from the Nationals. But the two teams aren't close to completing a trade, according to a report in the Detroit News.
The paper reports that the Tigers turned down an offer that would've land Soriano in Detroit. In the proposed deal, the Nationals asked for prospects Humberto Sanchez and Jair Jurrjens, both right-handed pitchers, and outfielder Cameron Maybin. The Nats, in turn, turned down a counteroffer from the Tigers.
The paper also reports that the Mariners' interest in Soriano has faded due to Washington GM Jim Bowden's high asking price, which included 20-year-old center fielder Adam Jones. Seattle promoted Jones to the big club after the All-Star break and he has been the M's starting center fielder ever since.
Meanwhile, Newsday reports that the player Yankees owner George Steinbrenner prefers is Soriano, not Bobby Abreu.
The Nationals and Dodgers are also involved in serious talks involving Soriano, reports ESPN.com and Scouts Inc.'s Keith Law.
Law reports the Dodgers are making Joel Guzman, 21, available in a potential trade. Guzman, who played in the Futures Game in Pittsburgh, was a shortstop whom the Dodgers have converted to the outfield.