Readers have their say

Don't put Soriano in leadoff position

Alfonso Soriano should not lead off for the Cubs as his leg will not be 100 percent, which would limit his basestealing ability. I think fifth or sixth would be where I would bat him, depending on the pitcher we are facing.

Greg McCuen

Wesville, Ind.

Time to put Soriano fourth in the order

This lineup should be used for the remainder of the year for the Cubs:

1. Theriot

2. DeRosa/Fontenot

3. Lee

4. Soriano

5. Ramirez

6. Jones

7. Floyd/Murton

8. Kendall

9. Pitcher

I imagine, because of his quad injury, Alfonso Soriano won't be attempting to steal many bases for the rest of the year, so I'd rather have him hit between Lee and Ramirez to see more fastballs. This will also allow Theriot (and Fontenot when he's in the lineup) to run a little more often. In addition, the bottom of the order will become stronger by slotting down Ramirez, Jones and Floyd/Murton.

Glen Szot

Spring, TX

Zambrano signing was perfectly timed

I don't think the timing of the Carlos Zambrano signing could have possibly been more perfect, as it has helped rejuvenate the spirit of the Cubs during their most important series of the season.

I think that once and for all, people can write off the lack of an aggressive ownership as a primary excuse for Cubs futility. Few, if any, National league squads have four players locked in at over $10 million a season, including the top two members of their staff.

With a solid core in place, hopefully players such as Hill, Theriot, Fontenot and Murton will break the true curse of Cubdom and actually shine as homegrown products. If so, the next century should shape up much better than the last.

Mike Schless

Buffalo Grove

All the fumbling not Grossman's fault

In Rex Grossman's defense, the first fumble was a result of Fred Miller getting tossed around like a rag doll. But, the interception was plain "Rexa-vu" by throwing into tight coverage and not looking for a check down.

The second fumble, after the defensive hold, was because Olin Kreutz had a brain cramp and snapped the ball late. (Refs should have called a false start as John St. Clair and Roberto Garza both moved before the snap).

On the third fumble, it was more "Rexa-vu" as he had bad hand placement under Kreutz and then pulled his hands apart without riding the ball into his hands.

Maybe, Pep Hamilton should have him practice walking, chewing gum and patting his head, then go from there.

But, the biggest surprise of the night was how effective the screen play was on two plays in a preseason game. It was a sight for sore eyes to see the lineman spin around and get the defensive player trailing the play, instead of running around stalk blocking.

Walter Brzeski

Chicago