Cubs' skipper, Lou Piniella, has announced that he will try a new batting order. The new look order would move Soriano to the number two spot and Fukudome to the number five spot, leaving Theriot to leadoff.
Piniella is not indicating that this is a permanent move. Soriano, who was plagued with leg injuries last year and is still not 100% this spring, could have some pressure removed by moving out of the leadoff role. It would reduce his total at bats and, most likely, his work on the base paths. The Cub website mentions that this was also something the Cub medical staff endorsed as as well. Soriano took the news in stride, also indicating that he hasn't been running all out and thinks his legs will be ready in another few days.
As is typical, the news was met with skepticism and scorn among the Chicago media and fandom. The same folks that whined about Soriano leading off were quick to deride this decision. I think it can work, but we shall see. I'm sure the grumblers want to see Fukudome at 2 and Soriano at 5, which may be the end result, but I'm willing to let Piniella sort it out. I certainly don't think this should be a teeth gnashing, hair pulling event for watchers. It's just a Spring Fling for now and given the lack of power and consistency so far, it can't hurt. That said, it will all shake out more clearly when the full lineup starts playing together next week.
The other note from this move is a rekindling of the Brian Roberts rumors. Essentially, that this move is in preparation for a true leadoff man to arrive at Cub camp. While this may be true, it is also the case that every time a butterfly in Santo Domingo flutters its wings, the Brian Roberts rumors heat up.
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