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Heyward's first season with Chicago Cubs reminds of Soriano

Right fielder Jason Heyward returned to the Cubs' lineup Monday night in San Diego after getting the weekend off in Denver.

It's been quite the struggle for the 26-year-old Heyward, whom the Cubs signed to an eight-year, $184 million contract last winter.

Heyward grounded out and struck out his first two times up Monday but finished 1-for-4 with a 2-run homer in the fifth inning that boosted the Cubs' lead to 5-0.

Kris Bryant's 32nd home run of the season earlier in the fifth made it 3-0.

The Cubs held on to defeat the Padres 5-1 as starter Jon Lester improved to 14-4, going 6 innings and allowing 1 run on 5 hits. Lester finished with 8 strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 2.81.

The Cubs built a 2-0 lead after three innings on a home run and a sacrifice fly by Addison Russell.

In thinking about Heyward's situation, it brought to mind another eight-year contract that spurred much discussion and drew much criticism.

Back in the fall of 2006, former Cubs general manager Jim Hendry signed outfielder Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year, $136 million deal. There are similarities and differences between the two players.

Soriano was seen as a man without a position. A second baseman early in his career, he wound up in left field for the Cubs, where things could get adventuresome until his final year-plus, when he made a concerted effort to improve.

Heyward is a Gold Glover in right field, and he's been nothing short of sensational in the field again this year.

Both players are considered good clubhouse guys, popular with their teammates and respectful toward the media.

The biggest difference in the first year with the Cubs for both players is production. Despite his defensive limitations, Soriano put up a line in 2007 of .299/.337/.560 with 33 homers and 70 RBI. His wins above replacement (WAR) was a solid 6.7.

Heyward entered Monday with a line of .225/.304/.313 with 5 home runs and 46 RBI. His WAR, largely because of his defense, was 1.2. Last season at St. Louis, Heyward put up a WAR of 6.0.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon steadfastly has stood by Heyward, calling him "an absolute winner" last weekend at home before giving him three games off against the Rockies over the weekend. Maddon told reporters he had only once piece of advice for Heyward.

"Just go play," he said. "I want to see a smile on his face … I just want him to go play."

Lester, another player who signed a big free-agent contract with the Cubs, appears fully comfortable in his second year with the team.

He entered the night with a 2.86 ERA, and he was riding a streak of 4 straight quality starts. A strong first half earned him an All-Star Game spot for thework game in San Diego's Petco Park.

• Follow Bruce's Cubs and baseball reports on Twitter @BruceMiles2112.

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