Alfonso Soriano Could Miss Up to Six Weeks

On his second at-bat of the game tonight, Alfonso Soriano was beaned on the left wrist. ESPN just reported that he has a mildly displaced fracture of the fourth metacarpal. Translation: broken hand. He's reportedly out six weeks.

This is a blow to the Cubs, but hardly devastating. He's a stud and has been hitting as well as anyone in the everyday lineup, but the team is loaded with capable hitters and he's a defensive liability. They dealt without him for two weeks earlier in the season and played quite well, going 9-5.

For the Cubs, several guys will benefit playing-time wise. The options are plentiful thanks for the versatility of the bench and Mark DeRosa. Mike Fontenot or Ronny Cedeno can play second base while DeRosa shifts to LF. Micah Hoffpauir -- sure to get the call from triple-A -- will get some looks in LF as well. Finally, should Lou Pinella decide to stray from his CF platoon, Reed Johnson can play left while Jim Edmonds stays in center. There won't be an everyday lineup. Musical chairs is more like it.

Fantasy Spin: Soriano can't be replaced by anyone on the waiver wire, but you have to stash him on your bench and try to make do as best you can. None of the Cubs spare parts listed above that would be free agents (should be everyone but DeRosa) are worth owning because they won't play full time.

Take a look at Luke Scott, Lastings Milledge, or Adam Jones; for example. Just like I said earlier today with Pujols, this has to suck if you own him.

I do recommend shopping him, especially if there is a Cubs homer in your league. The team is playing so well now our fans are likely to have delusions of grandeur in any deal involving one of "our own." You can probably be a bit felonious here.

Specific lineup/trade questions? Hit us up.