Position Change for Alfonso Soriano?

May 28, 2009 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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Could there be another position change coming for Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano? According to the Chicago Tribune it’s more likely then one would think. The reason would be the Cubbies lack of run production. Are things really that bad in Chicago that Soriano could be forced to switch positions to create offense?

To put it simply, yes!

The Cubs have scored only 207 runs this season over 46 games. That averages out to only 4.5 runs per game. Not bad but not good either when you consider their pitchers have given up 204 runs, averaging out to 4.43 runs a game given up. So pretty much they have a middle of the pack pitching staff but one of the worst offenses in baseball.

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One would ask how does moving Soriano create more offense? The answer is the horrendous play by current second baseman Mike Fontenot. After 41 games he’s batting a mere .223 with 5 homers and 18 runs batted in. What makes it even worse is 4 of those bombs came during the month of April.

The irony in it all is that Fontenot is a career .276 batter with the occasional pop. My thinking is that he’s just been exposed. He’s always been a part-time player. In 2008 he did play in 119 games but only had 243 at-bats. So really it just looks like he isn’t an everyday player. I’m sure the Cubbies are hating not pulling the trigger on a Brian Roberts deal in the off season.

Next question is who plays left field if Alfonso moves to second? That would be Micah Hoffpauir, a player who has been much more productive this season. The reserve outfielder has had only 90 at-bats this year and he’s got 6 doubles, 4 homers and 16 runs batted in, batting .278.

While the move might not be ideal when you consider Alfonso hasn’t played second base regularly since 2005 it does give the Cubbies the best possible offense. And arguably the best chance to win since scoring runs is their problem.

“We’ll explore all our other options,” manager Lou Pinella said. “I feel very comfortable with our outfield, but we’ve got to score some runs too.”

If the position change is going to take place that’s fine but I’m sure it will depend more on Soriano’s health then the lack of scoring. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Soriano has been problems with his left knee over the past few weeks.

”I’ve been battling with my knee for three or four weeks,” Soriano said. ”Nothing serious. A little sore, but I’m fine. Nothing to worry about. I get treatment every day to feel better because this game is not easy to play with pain.”

If he’s having problem with his knees, I don’t see how playing second base will help. I think second is a lot more physically demanding on a player as you need more athleticism then you do in left. The last thing the Cubs want to do is move Alfonso to second, the pain gets worse and then he’s forced to miss time.

I understand Lou wants to shake things up but he should really wait till Soriano is back to 100 percent.

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