When Alfonso Soriano reported to Cubs camp he said that his knee was feeling “80-85 percent” but he would have a better idea after running full speed. He was shut down last year to have surgery on that knee and he’s hurt that knee multiple times before. His power numbers have been decent as a Cub, but his average and steals have gone way down ever since he’s come to the North Side.

It would be key if Soriano could start stealing bases, because it would mean that pretty much any part of the lineup could run a hit and run. It’s all up to Soriano to work hard to get back to All-Star form. As for his efforts to hit a slider: that’s Rudy Jaramillo’s job.