Soriano comes up big when it counts

CINCINNATI -- In the middle of the Cubs' raucous clubhouse late Friday night, with champagne being sprayed everywhere, drenched general manager Jim Hendry gave Alfonso Soriano a giant hug and whispered something in the outfielder's ear.

Only Hendry knows what he said, but it probably had something to do with Soriano being worth every penny of the eight-year, $136 million contract he signed as a free agent last winter.

Soriano helped carry the Cubs through September, and his performance in Friday's 6-0 win over the Reds on a night the Cubs clinched the National League Central title was another special one.

Soriano hit a leadoff home run to stake Carlos Zambrano to a 1-0 lead, doubled and scored in the fifth and threw another runner out at the plate.

It was Soriano's 13th home run in September, tying Ernie Banks' 1957 team record. The leadoff home run was his sixth of the month for a major-league record.

"I feel so great, to be able to come back from my injury and help the team win," Soriano said. "I think what I did in these moments helped a lot for this team to make the playoffs.

"I'm very proud of myself because I never had a very good September when the team really needed me."

Soriano's homer Friday was his 32nd of the season. Not a bad number considering he went all of April with none.

The Cubs started the season with Soriano in center field, and manager Lou Piniella admitted Friday it was a mistake.

Soriano started hitting when he settled in left field.

"They started me in center field and I had to learn to cover both gaps," Soriano said. "Playing left field is more relaxing and made my job a little easier."

Soriano's assist Friday was his 19th of the season, tying a team record Hank Sauer set in 1951.

"I'm happy they keep sending guys," Soriano said.