Come To Think Of It: Alfonso Soriano Sits and Needs To Continue Sitting

So, Lou Piniella is finally starting to show signs of the manager we all thought he was. He's sent troubled Milton Bradley home. He's sat down struggling Alfonso Soriano. He's even gotten thrown out of a game—Wednesday versus the Pirates on what appeared to be a bad call at first base. But he needs to continue to be the tough guy and continue to sit Soriano. Sadly, it's not likely. Now, I don't say this simply because Soriano's replacement, Sam Fuld, had a great game on Wednesday. I say this because Soriano has hit below the Mendoza line in June. Look, I'm not stupid. I realize that Soriano makes $18 million per year and is signed through 2014 and has a full no-trade clause. But when a guy is in the deepest slump of his career, as Soriano is in, it's time to stand up and say "enough is enough." Meanwhile, Sam Fuld collected two hits, made a diving catch, and threw out a runner trying to score. I know Fuld isn't likely to repeat that performance. But you send a message by playing ... (link)