Alfonso Soriano has been the subject of trade talks, as he is the Rangers' most valuable commodity that they are prepared to let go. "If it were up to me, I would like to be here," Soriano said, "with this young team and these guys. But you never know where you're going to play, or if they'll want to keep me." Soriano might not get his wish to stay, because the Rangers need to add pitching if they hope to make the playoffs. Since they want to cling to their top minor league prospects, Soriano is likely their best trade chip. Soriano's production in the past four years outranks every second baseman except perhaps the Dodgers' Jeff Kent. Yet he frustrates the Rangers with shoddy defense or by failing to run out hit balls. Perhaps most importantly, Soriano is making $7.4 million and will earn a raise through arbitration. And a potential replacement -- Ian Kinsler -- is at Triple A Oklahoma. Rangers general manager John Hart has repeatedly said of Soriano: "We like him; we're not looking to trade him." But dealing Soriano might be the best way to improve the team. Soriano is aware of the trade talk, and it's nothing new. "When I was with the Yankees, from the minor leagues until now, my name always comes up in trade rumors," Soriano said. "I wish I knew why." Whether Soriano remains in Texas or not, he has been a bargain for the Rangers so far. "Obviously Sori's been a great player for us," Rangers owner Tom Hicks said, "and I think, given us the ability, the financial flexibility that I can say yes to a trade, if [money is] all it takes to bring in a player. ... I think [the Rodriguez-Soriano trade] is a win-win. I think it was the right thing for Alex, and I think it was the right thing for the Texas Rangers."