After Sound, Fury, Soriano Remains a Nat

Alfonso Soriano, third in the NL with 32 home runs, is likely to seek a deal worth between $12 million and $15 million annually over four or five years. (By Jonathan Newton -- The Washington Post)

Still, as late as 45 minutes before the deadline it appeared Soriano would be moved. The final two teams appeared to be Minnesota and Seattle, though the list of those pursuing Soriano evolved over the course of the last two days and, at various times, included Oakland, the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers and even late-comers such as Florida and Boston.

"The whole process was very fluid," Bowden said. "The teams were changing. The players involved in trades were changing."

Yet not to Bowden's liking. Bowden was steadfast in his belief that he understood what Soriano was worth in return, even if he was to be a two-month rental for a contending team. And with no package of those top-flight prospects -- from Seattle center fielder Adam Jones to Minnesota pitcher Matt Garza to Angels infielders Brandon Wood and Howie Kendrick to Astros pitcher Jason Hirsh -- available, some around baseball thought Bowden might have overestimated Soriano's value. As Minnesota General Manager Terry Ryan told reporters in Minneapolis, "He knew where I stood, and I knew where he stood."

"Teams seemingly didn't want to get involved with quote-unquote 'rental players,' " Giants General Manager Brian Sabean said.

The Nationals, before the deadline, made two trades, completing an eight-player deal that revolved around sending relievers Bill Bray and Gary Majewski to Cincinnati for outfielder Austin Kearns and infielder Felipe Lopez. Last Friday, they sent lefty Mike Stanton to San Francisco for a 19-year-old pitching prospect.

"And after that," Bowden said, "we felt that no other deals was the best way to go based on everything that was on the table."

There was, too, an intense desire from the Nationals' players to keep Soriano, and several -- as individuals and in groups -- came to Kasten and Bowden to express that. He is a tone-setter in the clubhouse, both with his upbeat attitude and relentless work ethic.

"It'd be great if he could be here for some time," first baseman Nick Johnson said. "He's such a great player. He can do it all -- steal bags, hit with pop. He's doing good in left, and he wants to win."

So Monday night, he took batting practice, then led off for the Nationals. For now, he is here. Two things, though, remain undetermined -- where Soriano will play next season, and how the Nationals will rebuild their franchise.

"We have a long way to go to get there," Bowden said.