Killswitch

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- If the Cubs win their first National League pennant since Lou Piniella was a toddler, one of the big difference makers might be the decision this week to move Alfonso Soriano out of the leadoff spot.

With Soriano unable to overcome his mental block about running hard on the right quadriceps he tore last August, Piniella said Wednesday he has decided to remove that pressure altogether by putting Soriano in the No. 2 spot and giving it a long enough look to determine whether he can thrive there as the season opens.

The most important part of the move might be that it was made with more than two weeks left in spring training. That gives Soriano time to adjust rather than scramble if the Cubs acquire leadoff hitter Brian Roberts from Baltimore, as many in the organization still feel is inevitable despite the would-be deal being in a holding pattern for four months.

Soriano to try No. 2 spot :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Cubs

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