Jeter Saddened By Soriano's Release

When Alfonso Soriano was released Sunday, many of his teammates were obviously upset.

Soriano, a 38 year old veteran who was hitting just .221, played with many of them throughout his sixteen year career, making the fact that he was suddenly gone an unpleasant surprise.

For team Captain Derek Jeter, the move was especially upsetting, as he and Soriano worked a total of six seasons together since the latter was a rookie in 1999.

“Soriano is like family to me,” Jeter told the New York Post's George A. King III yesterday after the Yankees beat the Twins 9-7. “I have played with him a long time, when he first came up and when he came back. Sori has had a tremendous career here in New York and it was difficult for him this year. Not playing every day, it’s hard to be productive."

A few weeks ago, when Soriano was really slumping, he was essentially replaced by Ichiro Suzuki in right field, pretty much beginning a countdown until his DFA.

Still, #12 had an overall great career in the Bronx, something that should help us appreciate what kind of player he actually was, as one bad year doesn't dictate anything.