Soriano, Yankees close to reunion tour?

Jul 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano (12) hits a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Remember the good ole’ days? When Alex Rodriguez was still the savior of baseball in the post-steroid era, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz were still fresh in the nightmares of big league hitters everywhere and Alfonso Soriano was a member of the Yankees.

Could the Bronx Bombers and Sori be close to a reunion tour?

The Yankees currently sit 5 1/2 games back of Boston in the American League East at 48-42, and their outfield corps have come back to earth after a red-hot start.

Vernon Wells has returned to his normal self, and hit just .133 in June and .221 in May, after posting a .300 mark in the season’s first month, not to mention his six home runs and 13 runs batted in.

Ichiro continues to do his thing. That’s no knock on arguably one of the best hitters to ever play the game. He’s no longer the most dangerous hitter in the game, but when you can post an average near .280 and maintain an on-base percentage over .320 nearing the end of your career, you’re doing alright.

Brett Gardner continues to be a AAAA player. Yes, you read that correctly. He’s always been such a highly touted player, but is yet to put it all together on a consistent basis. Injuries and inconsistency have been the name of the game… for far too long.

With an aging, broken roster, and speculation that A-Rod could be suspended for at least 100 games now is the time for Brian Cashman to pull the trigger on Soriano.

The Cubs outfielder has been on a tear lately, and even went so far as to bring up the possibility of his leaving the Friendly Confines, according to CSN Chicago’s Patrick Mooney.

“I don’t want to be on this team if they don’t want me here. It’s kind of hard and selfish to think . If they want me to stay here, I’m going to stay here. But if they don’t want me to, the door is open.”

That being said, Soriano is putting together another impressive season at age 37, as he is on pace to hit 100 RBIs and 30-plus home runs once again, after posting a career-high 108 RBIs last season.

Chicago would have to eat a considerable portion of Soriano’s contract, which amounts to roughly $27 million through the rest of this season and 2014. That, plus the fact that the left fielder has been atrocious with his plate discipline (77 strikeouts, 10 walks) spells out a situation that doesn’t lead to the Cubs getting much in return.

With three weeks till the July 31 Trade Deadline, the Cubs’ clubhouse leader could be nearing the end of his tenure in Chicago.

New York, it’s your move.