Soriano will bat low in the order (finally)

[Kingdom]

It only took several years too many for this to happen and hopefully it stays that way. It's for the best. But, Marlon Byrd batting 5th? And he's not in Arlington anymore, which didn't really matter since he didn't hit well in that spot for Texas. I guess they don't have many options. Soto is too busy gathering munchies.

1. Fukudome/Theriot
2. Fukudome/Theriot
3. Lee
4. Ramirez
5. Byrd
6. Soriano
7. Soto
8. Fontenot

Eh. Going out on a limb and saying the "curse" continues.


Marlon Byrd will bat fifth in Chicago Cubs lineup: Lou Piniella - ESPN Chicago

[redsrbetter]

It is a shame that Soto didn't amount to much after that rookie season, yet it's still a bit too early to give up on him.

I agree though, Soriano needs to hit lower in that lineup wihout a doubt. Perhaps he can seclude the 5th spot with Soriano like numbers this year.

[Trendy Bastard]

I'm not big on all of the new baseball statistics, but over at another forum they showed that Soto had a very unlucky season last year. He's already lost 40 lbs, and I do expect him to return to form this season. That being said, this is just the lineup going into Spring Training.

Soriano batting leadoff was one of the most painful things I've had to watch over the past two years, so thank god Lou finally realized how it wasn't working. I expect him to hit in the 5th/6th spot all season, with an occasion 4th spot when Ramy needs a day off.

We'll have to wait and see how Byrd performs before he's *penciled* in anywhere. (Don't forget this is Lou we're talking about, the lineup changes every 3 days) While he put up pretty good numbers in Arlington, he was not good before. His hitting coach down in Texas is also with the Cubs now too. My guess is he'll slip down to the 7th spot, or *gulp* hit in the 2 spot.

Fukudome/Theriot
Theriot/Baker
Lee
Ramirez
Soriano
Soto
Byrd
Fontenot/Baker

As much as I hate Theriot in the 2nd spot, that is where he will stay.

[Hammer]

lee and ramirez will be on the dl by may anyway... doesnt matter where soriano and byrd bats.

[Kingdom]

Baker should never bat 2nd until he discovers "base on balls". I say they bump up Zambrano when he pitches.

[redsrbetter]

I think Lou knows how to stick with a lineup. Look at his tenure with the Mariners. Then again, it was a different time, different league, and much more talented lineup.

Overall, I like the order of that lineup you have there TB. I still think the Cubs need more lefty talent though.

[Trendy Bastard]

Meh, the only thing that has been stuck with since Lou has been here was Soriano leading off, Lee hitting third, and Ramirez cleaning up. Otherwise I've seen the lineup change more times then I can count.

Now Soriano is out of the leadoff spot (thank god!).

And I agree Koz, Baker shouldn't hit 2nd, but I can see him getting some starts in that spot.