What does everyone think of the impact of Soriano's hand injury? I'm torn. He's such a bad outfielder...he's pretty replacable in that capacity. I'm super excited to see Micah Hoffpauir back in Chicago. He just seems like a good guy.
Topic: Soriano's 4th Metacarpal
Luckily the injury doesn't seem that severe. Yesterday they were comparing the injury to Derrek Lee's 2 years ago and how he won't be the same player. A metacarpal probably is bad but I don't know it's not his whole hand. Seems like some writers are intrigued by Lou Pinella tinkering around with the lineup now that he doesn't have to massage Soriano's ego. I'll miss him, he does lead the league in hr's.
I don't know why but I'm a fan of Hoffpauir as well. His name is so cool.
I can tell you who I am not a fan of...Patterson! Again, I have to reason for feeling so strongly about him, but I do.
I was just remembering that Chase Utley had the exact same injury at this time last year. It did great things for his career! Maybe it will do the same for Soriano.
A few things come to mind:
1) I seem to remember Ryne Sandberg having the same type of injury in the spring of 1994 (or was it 93?). He was never really the same after that, but as noted above, Utley has had no lingering effects. I guess it depends on the player.
2) Yeah, Patterson hits about as well as his brother...which is NOT AT ALL. Where's Matt Murton when we need him? I'm a little confused as to why they didn't bring him up.
3) I think the Cubs can win without Soriano, just not by as much. As Lou has said, the worst thing about the timing of this injury is that he was just starting to run well again. We'll miss his speed on the bases and his arm in the outfield.