Alfonso Soriano is going to be hitting in Spanish this year, which I believe can only help the Cubs:

MESA, Ariz. — One after another Wednesday at HoHoKam Park, the line drives exploded off the bat of Alfonso Soriano during Cubs batting practice.

Behind the cage hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo didn't see a single one land, his eyes focused intently on Soriano's hips and his words aimed specifically for his ears.

"Espidad, espidad!'' Jaramillo repeated.

Asked later for a translation, Jaramillo explained the command reminds the free-swinging Soriano to slow down his breathing, which slows down his mind and thus his approach to the ball.

Jaramillo doesn't necessarily have to speak the same language to connect with a hitter he mentored for two seasons with the Rangers. But, in Soriano's case, it improves his hearing as well as his hitting.

"Sure it helps," Jaramillo said. "I love teaching in Spanish."

(click "read more" for full article)

In his column, David Haugh called Soriano "the Cubs' most polarizing player now that Kevin Gregg has cleared customs." Seems like a missed opportunity to take a shot at Milton Bradley, doesn't it?

Either way, Soriano is baffled by the way he is perceived by Cubs fans:

That he has become the guy most likely to raise a Cubs fan's blood pressure baffles Soriano.

"I try to figure it out but I don't know,'' Soriano said. "It doesn't bother me. I know I play this game because I love this game and not for the money. So whatever criticism I get in the paper or Internet because of the money, I don't pay attention.''

Of course, it really isn't anybody's business what Soriano is paid. The Cubs offered the money and the years. What was he supposed to say? No, no thank you?