How Good Was Alfonso Soriano? A Look At The All-Star’S Career

Alfonso Soriano was a very productive player in his rookie season. He batted mostly in the bottom of the order, but still managed to hit .268/.304/.432 with 18 home runs, 34 doubles, and 43 stolen bases. This gave him a respectable 91 OPS+; a mark that’s slightly above league average.

However, it’s important to note that this was during a time when offensive production was much lower across the league. The 2001 season saw a league-wide batting average of just .263, and a league-wide OPS+ of just 96. In this context, Soriano’s 91 OPS+ wasn’t just above league average, it was actually quite good for a rookie.

Additionally, Soriano’s performance in 2001 was even more impressive when considering his role. He was often used as a pinch hitter or a late-inning defensive replacement, which limited his opportunities. Despite this, he still managed to put up solid numbers, showing his potential to be a star player.

It’s worth noting that Soriano’s 43 stolen bases were tied for the league lead, and his 18 home runs were also impressive considering his limited at-bats. His performance helped the New York Yankees win the World Series, and it earned him a spot in the All-Star game. All of this made it clear that Alfonso Soriano was a player to watch in the future.