MESA, Ariz. -- More than five months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, Alfonso Soriano said he's almost good to go.
"It feels like about 80-85 percent," Soriano said. "I have five or six weeks here working now, and I'm hoping it feels much better and I'm ready for Opening Day."
Soriano said he's been working hard this offseason in the Dominican Republic, but has not tested the knee yet by running hard or playing any outfield. He doesn't feel pain when taking batting practice, and is not worried about being ready for the season.
Soriano was told to take it easy at the outset of spring training, and the Cubs didn't expect him to be at 100 percent at this point.
"He looks wonderful," manager Lou Piniella said. "He's strong. He's ready to go, says his knee hasn't bothered him."
The addition of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo should help Soriano. He hit 34 home runs and drove in 104 runs under Jaramillo at Texas in 2005. Soriano is also looking forward to playing with centerfielder Marlon Byrd, whom he played with in Washington.
The addition of Byrd and subtraction of Milton Bradley will help the team chemistry, Soriano said.
"He's a totally different guy than Milton," he said. "He's a nice guy. Milton is a nice guy, too, but everyone knows what kind of problems he's got. I'm very excited we've got Marlon Byrd."
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I Get It on February 22, 2010 7:16 PM
I get it now! Sorryano is Soriano except for you replace Sori with Sorry. It kind of sounds the same and it conveys the dissatisfaction you have with Soriano's play. Very funny guys! You all should think about going on tour with Larry the Cable Guy because you are a hoot and a half!
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Your brain is finally developing...well late then never, right?
I get it now! Sorryano is Soriano except for you replace Sori with Sorry. It kind of sounds the same and it conveys the dissatisfaction you have with Soriano's play. Very funny guys! You all should think about going on tour with Larry the Cable Guy because you are a hoot and a half!
Subtraction of who? I can't myself remember. But then, I'm not freaking OBSESSED with any former players like some folks are.
I still can't believe Jimmy "Turtleneck" Hendry gave Sorryano 8 years 120 mil contract....Worst signing ever by any team.
When his GLOVE is surgically repaired so that he makes 80-85% fewer errors or dumb defensive plays let me know.
Captain Obvious, why does it seem like you are always talking about Cubs players and/or coaches' sacks? What are you thinking about when you watch the Cubbies?
Rick, I had a grape one time and it chipped my tooth, so don't you tell me that grapes are soft!
PlanoCubsFan, good point!
When his GLOVE is surgically repaired so that he makes 80-85% fewer errors or dumb defensive plays let me know.
What a disappointment this guy has been. Makes Mark Prior look like a "gamer".
What a disappointment this guy has turned out to be. Soft as a grape. Makes Mark Prior look like gamer.
He hasn't tested the knee the knee yet by running hard or playing the outfield???.....Since when has he ever done either?
If only knee issues would stop that stupid hop he does... We know Piniella doesn't have the sac to stop it.