Alfonso Soriano Capitulates

Faced with losing his impending free agent status after this year, plus the loss of $61,700 a game if placed on the ineligible list by the Washington Nationals, slugger Alfonso Soriano has been forced to capitulate to manager Frank Robinson's demand that he give up 2B and move to left field. Jose Vidro, in his best health in two years, will keep the pivot position, though Soriano could reappear at second should Vidro become injured again. Soriano will bat leadoff, likely enhancing his stolen base potential while his power numbers decline in cavernous RFK Stadium.