Within 24 hours, two of the most exciting players in the National League went on the shelf for the next month or so as both St. Louis Cardinals first baseman, Albert Pujols and Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano were injured in their respective games.
Both of these injuries have the potential to be costly but I see the Chicago Cubs weathering their storm much easier than the St. Louis Cardinals will theirs. I would like to see Lou Piniella bring up 2 players specifically. Micah Hoffpauir and Matt Murton. There had been some talk of Eric Patterson who does have the speed element that Soriano has but Patterson is another left handed bat like Hoffpauir. Murton being right handed gives Lou the option of a Murton-Reed Johnson- Kosuke Fukudome outfield against lefties. Lou could shuffle DeRosa to left and play Cedeno in the infield if he wants. Hoffpauir is a given with the way he has swung the bat in the spring and in his short callup.
With a string of interleague games coming up, the Cubs will need the extra position player. Lou stated that he wants to use Lee, Ramirez and he mentioned Soriano as DH. So I wouldnt be surprised to see Lee, Ramirez, Hoffpauir and yes even Carlos Zambrano used as a DH. I think Z may be used in his start as hitting plays a part in his makeup and helps him be a more effective pitcher.
