Soriano, Bullpen, and Overall Offense Saddening To This Point.

Alfonso Soriano is detrimental to this team, he committed an error against the Reds, and he has misjudged a couple other fly-balls on plays that should have been made. Soriano's defense has cost the Cubs a couple of runs so far.  His only value is offensively and he hasn't shown any sign that he can turn things around after a poor season last year.

 The Cubs have a lot of money committed to Soriano, but Lou Piniella said recently "Invariably what will happen is the guys who are doing the best are the guys who will get the bulk of the playing time," Piniella said. "That's the way it was when I played, and that's the way it is still. We'll get everybody in there and get them some at-bats and go from there." (Carrie Muskat) Hopefully, Lou holds to his word.

Tyler Colvin hasn't proved he can be productive offensively in the Major Leagues yet, but has only played two games. He has proven he can handle all three outfield spots defensively. Even if he struggles some at the plate, he should be playing over Soriano. Soriano has no value at this point since he is not hitting and can't play defense. Colvin's defense alone makes him more valuable than Soriano.

The Cubs overall offensive output has been very weak so far, relying completely on hitting home runs so far and struggling at the plate with runners on base.  

The Cubs bullpen so far has been dismal, with an ERA around 7.00. Sean Marshall has been the only bright spot so far. Carlos Marmol is 2 for 2 in save chances, but the Cubs have had all kinds of trouble getting the ball into his hands in the ninth.

The Cubs starting rotation was a question mark by many heading into this season. The season opener was ugly for Zambrano, but since then the Cubs starting pitching has been brilliant. Cubs starters have notched quality starts in every game this early season besides opening day, yet due to offensive, defensive, and bullpen struggles the Cubs are 2-4 after six games.  

The Cubs need to make some changes going forward, when Ted Lily comes back, Carlos Silva should move to the bullpen where he has had success in the past. The Cubs are lacking a right handed pitcher out of the bullpen who can throw strikes consistently and Silva could be that guy.

Alfonso Soriano needs to sit the bench, the Cubs could give him one start a week to keep him somewhat fresh for pinch hitting situations. Ideally the Cubs would trade Soriano, but do to his gigantic contract with a No Trade Clause, and horrendous performance it simply is not an option.

For article updates, and updates on Cubs prospects including Starlin Castro you can follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/PatSCHAEFER1980