Uncertain Ground, Still


Even less than four months later, the imbroglio over Soriano's switch from
second to the outfield -- a move engineered by Bowden, who traded three
players to Texas for Soriano without being allowed to consult as to whether
Soriano was amenable to a switch -- seems distant. His mere presence in
tonight's All-Star Game in Pittsburgh points to that. His adventures in left
field -- leading major league outfielders in both assists and errors -- show
that this is still very much an experiment. But each day, each play, he is
more relaxed.

"I [did] not believe in myself in spring training," he said. "That's why I
not want to play the left field, because I [did] not believe in myself. Now,
I believe I can play there, and, oh, man, it's so much better."

Yet even with his newfound serenity in the outfield, even with his now-stated
desire to remain in Washington, the questions that will dog Soriano until the
end of July are simple: Where will he play out the rest of 2006, and where
will he play in 2007 and beyond?

Soriano, who earns $10 million this year, wants a long-term contract,
wherever he winds up. "That's what's important to me, to know where I'm going
to be," he said. "And I would like to be here."

There are, however, problems with that hope, because the Nationals are
developing a long-term plan to build with talented, young players, and
Soriano is the commodity that could bring the most in return. Unless he signs
a deal with the Nationals before this season is over, he will be a free agent
in the fall whether he is traded or not.

So there is a possibility that each day in the Nationals' clubhouse could be
his last. He will land somewhere, and it will start again. Those first days
in Hiroshima, those first days in Tampa, those first days in Texas all over
again.

"I know I have no control if they trade me," Soriano said. "But in three
months, if I [do] not sign, I get to decide. And I want to stay someplace a
long time. I want to be comfortable."

More than anything. More than anything.