Chicago Cubs Baseball

Nomar Garciaparra in 2005. Derrek Lee last season. Now Alfonso Soriano?

Say it ain’t so, Joe.

Admittedly, my heart stopped when news filtered in that Soriano was forced to leave tonight’s game with a hamstring injury. And in my fading youth this act of nature can be particularly disturbing.

But between the imaginary heart stoppage and the very real flashbacks of the injuries to the aforementioned Messieurs Garciaparra and Lee, something strange took place: It might not be that bad after all.

Soriano injured himself while attempting to make a diving catch in the fifth inning. According to AP reports, the Cubs’ center fielder suffered a hamstring strain while attempting to right himself and make the throw.

He left the field under his own power and is listed as day to day. Which puts him on the same course of recovery as the Cubs other fallen star, Aramis Ramirez. While there’s never a good time for an injury, the light shining from the Chicago dugout is:

1. It doesn’t appear to be serious.
2. Better for an injury to happen now, rather than in September - assuming the Cubs are still in the hunt.

Given Soriano’s slow start in a Cubbie uniform, a little rest may do him well.

Defensively, the Cubs are well equipped to fill his slot, with Jacque Jones moving to center, and Matt Murton and Cliff Floyd manning the corners. I’m assuming Ryan Theriot also could move into center where he was introduced to the position this spring.

Depending on the severity and length of the injury. other possibilities include calling up Felix Pie or Angel Pagan from AAA Des Moines.  I would think the Cubs organization would be reluctant to bring Pie up unless assured they can give him quality playing time.

It all sounds far too rational for it to be a Cubs baseball team. A bench - with depth? A lost bat from the lineup and no panic?

The Cubs may be in the race after all. I just hope they can remember to stretch.