Since his return to the lineup, Soriano has done nothing but contribute. I'm not just bringing this up because of his late inning heroics recently. While his "swing first, ask questions later" attitude at the plate has always irked me and he continues to misplay balls in left field, today is "give Fonzie some credit" day. With guys like Kosuke Fukudome, Geovany Soto and Aramis Ramirez all hitting below .280, someone needed to step up in this lineup and Soriano has been the shot in the arm that the Cubs needed. Clearly, he has an influence on this team even if he's not the most exemplary player.

The numbers will even prove it. Soriano leads the Cubs with 20 home runs this season. He has been on the DL twice and he leads the team in home runs. Ramirez is right behind him with 19, but Ramirez has 125 more at-bats. Soriano has hit safely in 12 of 14 starts since his return from the DL in July and has gone from .281 to .297, second highest of all everyday players on the Cubs' roster. If you look at the everyday players' numbers, Soriano leads the team in all major offensive categories since his return on July 23. His 13 runs, 21 hits, 12 RBI and 5 HR are at least two more a piece than any other player in any other category in that time span.

Whether this is just one of Soriano's hot streaks or whether it could carry itself consistently through the rest of the season remains to be seen, but this is the guy you should be most excited to see step in the batter's box. That much can easily be said. Hopefully if he does die down a bit, on of those guys hitting below .280 mentioned above will get going.

There ya go, Sori. As much as at least 2 of your 3 errors are forever burned in my brian, you get the get out of jail free card, Mr. Over-Anxious. Keep leading the way.

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