Fool Me Once, Shame On Soriano . . .

Unlike some people around here, I have gone to great lengths to stick up for Alfonso Soriano, but as Harry Caray used to say, "The worm is starting to turn."

I was an athlete with limited skills, but was taught that in many cases effort could trump talent.

Baseball is a tough game and there are many variables that are beyond a player's control. Some players are blessed with more talent than others and there are far too many instances in which a player simply doesn't get the breaks. There is a great deal of randomness in baseball, but the one area in which a player maintains total control is in his effort.

How hard is it to run everything out?

Regardless of his off-the-field problems, Pete Rose was not concerned about looking cool. His Charlie Hustle nickname was testament to that.

Bob Brenly is right. Soriano was selfish when he stood and hopped in the batter's box on Monday night only to watch his drive fall short of the right-center fence.

And I had a feeling that I had seen such a play before. A bit of research verified that indeed I had. On Aug. 13, 2008 in Atlanta, Soriano walloped a Jorge Campillo pitch in the fourth inning. He stood in the batter's box and admired it until it bounced off the left-field fence. That's when Soriano began to run. He slid into second base barely ahead of the tag from Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson.

Soriano was ripped on the air by Brenly and later apologized for his hot-dogging.

I've finally learned my lesson; I hope Soriano learns his.