Alfonso

Soriano

The Rangers’ big leaguers had the day off, but Soriano is trying to get back into shape after missing time with a hamstring injury and the flu. ''There’s two weeks left,’' Soriano said. ''I have to get my body ready to play every day. I lost a lot of time, so I don’t want a day off now.’' Soriano went 0-for-3.

Although manager Buck Showalter indicated that Soriano “has made some strides”, it is doubtful that the Rangers’ second baseman will return to play during the regular season.

The Rangers, who are awaiting MRI results, are afraid that Soriano may have torn the muscle. If that is the case, the injury would sideline the Rangers’ second baseman for the rest of the season.

Everyone looking to trade for Soriano seems to want him as an outfielder. “I think if that is the reason that a team gets me, it’s going to be a little bit difficult, because I’m not going to give up my position,” Soriano said. “I’m not going to pass to another position. I’m going to play second base.” Soriano has no trade protection, but if he is dead set against switching positions, no team is going to acquire him and force him to move.

With Soriano making it clear he has no interest in moving to the outfield, a trade isn’t likely to happen this winter.

Of course they are. The Red Sox had some talks with the Rangers about a deal for Soriano that would have involved the second baseman going to another team, but those also died quickly.

The two teams talked a bit at the winter meetings, with the Rangers indicating they’d want Brandon Backe in return for Soriano. If the Rangers can move Soriano’s salary, they’d immediately become the favorites to sign Carlos Delgado.

The Rangers likely would part with Soriano for both Brandon Backe and Chris Burke. However, that wouldn’t be a very good deal for Houston. Backe and a pitching prospect for Soriano would be fine. Houston should keep Burke with the idea of moving him to center field. Either that or insist that Kevin Mench is added to the deal. The Rangers are expected to sign Carlos Delgado if they move Soriano.

If Soriano doesn’t appear to be at 100 percent by mid-March, his stock will drop a bit. He’s going to need to steal at least 20 bases this year to avoid being a disappointment in fantasy leagues.

Soriano remains day-to-day. He’ll probably be held out of games for at least two more days.