In the Chicago Cubs game tonight, the first hitter of the game Alfonzo Soriano led off with a screaming shot into the right field corner that he would have easily made it to 2nd base standing. He had to slide in head first and it was obvious to this reporter that he was heavily favoring his left leg. He stayed in the game but it was obvious that he was affected. Later in the inning a deep fly to right field and Soriano remained at 2nd base. He finally scored on a play that had right fielder Xavier Nady made the catch on a easy fly he would have been doubled off.
his lack of mobility was not limited to his offensive game as he was unable to close the gap on a fly ball hit to a spot where he normally would have run it down. What should Lou Piniella do. Should they put Soriano on the DL and let him heal or should they give him a few days off and have his bat available for pinch hitting duties or should they let him gut it out. I think at the vey least until his legs are near to or at 100% he has to be in a different spot in the lineup. He isnt really a threat to steal a base or even at this stage to go first to third easily. When Reed Johnson is in the lineup, he can bat leadoff. Should they want to DL him, Matt Murton could be called back up. Micah Hoffpauir could play in left vs righties or Lou could move Johnson to left field and have Edmonds patrol center. In an emergency, I am sure that Soriano could play his natural position which is 2nd base.
