I just got in from my long trip today, and I see that my immediate reaction to the Soriano signing has garnered a variety of comments, most of which have directed me to get my metaphoric head out of my hypothetical ass. Yes, I wanted Soriano. Yes, I believe he will drastically improve this team. Yes, I think 8 years is far too much for a guy on the wrong side of 30. However. After having about six hours to discuss this with my brother, to listen to ESPN1000 (which we were shockingly able to receive even in central Pennsylvania), and to think about it further, I am tentitively in full support of this signing (that's a phrase my girlfriend will mock me over, and Yogi Berra will envy me for). First, while it very well may be a terrible move - and there are a handful of reasons to give credance to that right now - it is also true that we won't really know until Soriano begins to decline. If Alfonso becomes an average player quickly, then we got jobbed. If he stays productive into his late 30's - much as Moises Alou and a handful of others have done - then this won't be such a bad move. But regardless of all that, if the Chicago Cubs win the World Series at any point during Soriano's contract, then it is totally worth it no matter what. Even if that World Series win is next season, and Alfonso spends the following seven years on coke binges in between DL visits, it will be absolutely, totally, and completely worth it. Why did I respond negatively? Because I'm honest. My honest reaction was that 8 years is too long. I'm not so worried about the money, although I don't believe that Soriano should be earning more than Ramirez or Lee. But hey, if they don't care, I don't care. And if they do care, then they're idiots because they're already making more money than me or anybody else in my family will ever make over the long spans of our lives. Regardless, I am awed and impressed that Hendry got this guy. We have to believe that the acquisition of Soriano will make Chicago a more attractive place for other free agents. While the Cubs may only have 10 of their 115 million left to spend, I wouldn't be shocked if that 115 became 125 million, depending on the guys Hendry targets. Greg, everybody, I'm only going to conclude that it's too much money if Jim doesn't get the next guy he wants. I'm only going to conclude that it's too many years if Soriano hampers the team from winning a World Series before his contract ends. Oh, and as was reported by Clute in the comments section, Piniella plans on using Soriano to bat leadoff, and will start him in one of the corner outfield positions. However, if Hendry can't sign a Brian Roberts or Kenny Lofton, don't be shocked if center field is where Soriano winds up. Therefore, I'm okay with this. I wish Hendry had paid less, I wish Soriano had taken fewer years. But hey, the Cubs are now a better team. I'm looking forward to the next move.