Soriano Out of Leadoff Spot Forever?

Many a Cubs fan rejoiced when Alfonso Soriano was at last wrenched from his beloved leadoff spot and moved to a more appropriate place in the order.  And now it looks like Lou Piniella plans on making that very popular move permanent.

“‘We’re talking about staying with it,” Lou said. ”If it works out, I think it’ll probably pay great dividends for this organization.”

Having a real leadoff man would indeed pay great dividends.  Now the problem is finding one.  This is not a new problem for the Cubs.  Juan Pierre anyone?  Willie Wilson (if you want to go back a bit)?  Dusty Baker even tried Jerry Hairston there for awhile.  But, then again, Dusty tried a lot of things that didn’t make any sense.

Whatever the Cubs decide to do with the leadoff spot – and no, I don’t think Kosuke Fukudome is the long-term answer – I sincerely hope they don’t break the bank for some free agent.  A scrappy guy who gets on-base will be good enough.  It doesn’t even matter if he can run…the Cubs don’t bother stealing bases anyway.  Just someone who understands the role, has some fire, is intelligent on the basepaths, and can drive in his share of runs when the line-up turns over.  Is that so much to ask?