Soriano fond of Chicago, happy to be with Yanks

CHICAGO -- Alfonso Soriano returned to Chicago on Monday for the first time since being traded by the Cubs to the Yankees, to open a three-game series with the White Sox.

"I love this city," Soriano said. "It's not a surprise for anybody. [But] now with the new [Yankees uniform], I'm happy."

Soriano said he spoke with some of his former Cubs teammates when he got to town.

"On my way to the ballpark, I just spoke to [Cubs catcher Welington] Castillo -- they had a day off in Philadelphia -- and I just talked a little bit with him. They're OK."

He said he knows his former teammates miss him, but he's happy to be in Yankees pinstripes.

"It's part of the game," Soriano said. "You know, sometimes you've got to move, do the best for me and for my family. I tried to do the best for the team in Chicago and the city, but it [didn't] work, so now I'm with a new team."