A quick word on Soriano: Lou, please listen to him.

[Soriano] also said he would be willing to bat lower in the order, at least short-term, where his speed is less important than in the leadoff spot.

''Anywhere in the lineup, it doesn't matter,'' he said. ''I just want to be in the lineup. I want to be back and help my team.''

Piniella reiterated that Soriano will go back into the leadoff spot when he returns, regardless of how well Ryan Theriot has hit there in his absence (.351 batting average, .377 on-base percentage).