Soriano Showing Signs

Jake Fox and Alfonso Soriano hit home runs today for the Cubs. If Soriano can find his stroke and Fox can find the lineup it will obviously lead to really positive returns in the second half. Joe Aiello is back from View from the Bleachers to discuss.

FBHS: Everyone is hating on Alfonso Soriano. Someone on your site said recently that he hasn't been ready all season. I'm optimistic. Sure the steals are in the past, but I sitll think Soriano has a .270 average and about 17 homers in the second half. You think that's right?

VFTB: If you're willing to cover some of his salary, you can have him. We drastically overpaid for Soriano and it's finally biting us. Soriano is a dumb ballplayer, period. Thankfully for fantasy players, dumb ballplayers can still be useful fantasy members. I don't think he'll hit for that much power in the 2nd half, but I would certainly hope we can at least get .270 out of him with 15 HR.

FBHS: Ted Lilly has quietly been the most consistent starting pitcher in the Cubs rotation for the last 3 seasons (which begs the question why he never got to start in the playoffs last year, but don't answer that). With a 3.18 ERA he is set to have the lowest ERA of his career. Do you see him fading in the second half or staying close to that number?

VFTB: I actually see him sticking pretty close to that. He should finish with a sub 3.50 ERA and has been one of the best FA signings we've had in a long time. Last year he simply took the back seat to guys that were supposed to have had better stuff (Z, Demp and Harden). This year he'll most certainly pitch in the playoffs, if we actually get there because Lou has a lot of regrets for that move.

FBHS: I heard the phrase that with Aramis Ramirez returning to the lineup it's better than any hitter the Cubs could acquire on the open market. Do you believe he will be the Aramis that we are all used to seeing or is his swing a little shy after the shoulder injury?

VFTB: He says his shoulder is fine and that surgery is not required. However, if you know anything about dislocations, each time they happen, it becomes easier and easier for them to happen again. That would be season ending. That said, you would have to think that he would be shy about going all in with swings and dives, even if just a little. I'd try to sell high now to that person who may be hurting for a bat and roll the dice.