This really goes to show, that many of those "well respected journalists" speak without checking into injury reports or anything else. Soriano is coming off the DL on time, and he won't be sharing time with a 40 year old. I do believe their jumping the gun a bit. Might a been a slow day. I'd be real surprised if the Cubs went that route again. Defense would suffer, and for what..??? Not much...

I see where Ben Sheets is missing his next start with a sore elbow. That's a real shame.

Regarding Lofton, I don't think I would mess with the current Cubs chemistry. There will be some decisions to be made once Soriano and Eyre return (likely the demise of Murton and perhaps Marshall). Someone posted yesterday about trading Soriano. To get a really solid #2 starter I'd certainly do that....the Giants could certainly use some offensive help, for example.

It'll be interesting to see how Soriano fits back in once he returns. Personally, I've never seen a Cubs team (though early still in the season) show so much plate patience, and hitting good count pitches. It's great to watch. And I really like DeRosa in LF and the combo Theriot/Cedeno at SS/2B. My fear is that the free swinging Soriano will disrupt the current momentum and chemistry...but time will time. I just don't see someone eating his big-time contract, but it would be a major deal to move him while his value is still high, and get a solid starter. On Lofton, I tend to like his scrappiness, but he's doesn't seem to be signing anywhere soon, so I think we have time to further evaluate that need near-term.

NO Lofton...I think our young guns can do a similar job plus here is that chance to develop while winning that only a few elite teams get. [Chemistry]…if there is such a thing…we have it right now.

No Lofton please. He is 5 years older than the
last time he put on a Cubbie uniform. See if the
Cubs can find a leadoff guy internally for a few
more months. If they don't have a good one by
July, then consider trades. It is apparent that
Soriano will not be at full speed for probably
another season which further weakens his case for batting leadoff. I guess that leaves Theroit/Cedeno
or Reed Johnson as the leading candidates for leadoff.

I say NO to lofton, keep what we have, it is working just fine.

Let's trade Soriano for Peavy straight up. Then we can sign Lofton.

What is with all this trade Soriano talk? There's a reason we all went crazy after we signed him last year. There is a reason why made the playoffs last year. There is a reason we went from last place to first place.

He had a slow start last April and carried us in September (when games matter). How about instead of trading one of the best players in the game for a #2 starter, our #2 starter starts pitching like one. I'm glad none of you are the Cubs gm.

Peavy would be our ace and Zambrano would be #2. We don't have a World Series caliber rotation, and it looks like our offense does just fine without him.

Amie says about all that needs to be said re. Lofton's merits on the field. Off the field, Lofton reportedly turned down a couple of offers in the $1-2 million range and is looking for $4-5 million. My take re. the Cubs budget is that it is nearly frozen as the Trib and Zell (and other newspaper businesses) are being clobbered by declining revenues. So we won't be seeing Lofton in Cubs Blue.

I suggested a trade of Soriano + (one of Ceda, Colvin or Petrick) for Billingsley and Ethier (or Kemp) yesterday. For that to happen, Soriano needs to return, play everyday and hit 4 or 5 homeruns in 50 at bats. I'd substitue the older Lowe and a healthy Elbert (lhp) for Billingsly if the Dodgers want to get younger.

The Dodgers badly need a power hitter and personalities with talent play better in L.A. A stud pitcher is our number one priority.

I think we'd all agree that Soriano is a good, yet not great, player. If DeRosa was in left on a FT basis I think his numbers would be comparable to Soriano. And you'd have a very competent backup in Reed Johnson if needed if you moved DeRo back to second at times.

I agree with many that we need another stud pitcher. Maybe Samardzjia develops into that, but likely not this year. So I think trading Soriano while the values high would be worth consideration. To Jim K's point, there are teams out there looking for an offensive infusion. If we can get a top tier performer this year, then why not pursue. I'd probably have a bit different tolerance level for Soriano if is wasn't for the length of contract and his current health status (which I don't see going away). We're paying a LOT of money for a 120 game player who produces 70 RBI's (DeRo and Soto will deliver that this year).

One other quick comment. This team has probably the best chemistry and plate discipline we've seen in years. I'd hate to see that change when Soriano returns. We all complain about trading aging, washed up veterans at the wrong time. Now's a great time to trade a still-hot commodity for a strong starting pitching need (which you can never have too much of).

Mike,

Mark DeRosa will never hit 33 homers in a season, let alone 40. We've been playing well without Soriano and we should probably look into moving him down in the lineup due to his leg injuries and the likelihood of his speed declining, but let's not get delusional about the skills of DeRosa.

Kenny Lofton is a bad clubhouse guy and is not worth it for the price we would have to pay. Lets stay pat for a while and let this team form a little more before we start deciding what we do and don't need.

Go get 'em Lilly!

Scott...no one is getting delusional, but I don't think we benefit greatly from 33 (primarily solo HR's) and his 70 RBI's. So please get real as well. I'll take a DeRosa over Soriano (healthly or not) based on DeRo's attitude and team concept to the game.

I concur that we should give this a bit more time to sort out, but let's not continue to fall in love with Soriano based on the dollars being spent. I'd rather use those dollars for a top tier starter.

Mike....I agree 100% with you. Soriano's contract is very risky. And we could sure use another big arm in the rotation to create more depth there as well.

Dead on Scott. I love DeRo, and he really has been a life saver at times for the Cubs with his versatility. But he is NOT a Soriano in any way, shape, or form. Soriano's offensive potential is superior, his throwing arm is flat out ridiculous, AND he is relatively new to left field at this time so I think his defense will continue to improve.

A good team needs DIFFERENT types of hitters to succeed. It is that balance that makes them dangerous. We have some scrappy hitters, some very patient hitters, guys who just find ways to get on base (Johnson), and then the guys who with one swing can change a game. The big boppers will always strike out more, that's the nature of the beast.

We shouldn't be concerned about Sori affecting the team chemistry when he returns. It is an ADDED bonus to have him back. Maybe the time off will let him forget the mini slump to start the season. (Not to mention he was showing signs of life before the injury). Regardless, you move DeRo back to 2nd, Fontenot to the bench and stick either Johnson or Pie at the top of the order. I want Pie to succeed but Johnson is riding a wave right now and I'd hate to cut THAT momentum short.

I agree with letting the team marinate for a month or two. See if someone steps up (Hill or Lilly) as a #2, and let Soriano get in the groove to help the team or be trade bait for a stud starter.

Sori heats up w/ the weather..anyone with half a brain cell knows that.

Hubert, without speaking for anyone other posters, I am personally fed up with your abusive, negative, and just "nasty" comments. Why don't you take your non-stop bad attitude and crappy comments directed to others, and move to a new site. Every darn post of yours just has that crappy edge. What is with you?

Mark...

Thank you. I think many of us feel the same.

Mark and Cary,
I am with both of you guys. This site is for OPINIONS...that's why we don't work for the Cubs or MLB.

How about we trade Hubert and some balls for a minor leaguer to the Sox or any other team? Hop on the bus Hubert, it's leaving.

I think we will not go anywhere near Lofton unless two of our OF'ers go down for the season. It should be interesting to see how they split up the playing time in left field when Soriano gets back and how much they will let him play when he gets off the DL. Hopefully ease him in so he wont hurt himself again. Im really hoping his contract doesn't turn into another Mike Hampton deal, where he is constantly hurt throughout it.

OK I'm going to say this once and only once.

In no way, shape, or form are we going to trade Soriano.

Not for #2 starter, #1 starter, Leadoff man, half the Red Sox, Ownership in IBM, a Mickey Mantle baseball card. NOTHING

Any talk about trading him is wrong and a waste of time.

I guy had a slow month and strained his hamstring.

Both his hamstrings could fall off and he would still would have a great bat.

I'm done, D - U - N, done!!!!