When the 64-player bracket for the Cubs Spring Training bunting tournament came out last week, Alfonso Soriano was unceremoniously left out of the competition. While manager Dale Sveum and strength coach Tim Buss were given a spot in the contest, the Cubs $136 million outfielder was relegated to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) bunt-off, held at the Anaheim Angels rookie league compound in Tempe.
“I realize that I’ve only been around Cubs camp for a couple of weeks, but I’ve seen Tim Buss bunt and he’s like a present day Brett Butler,” said Sveum. “Soriano can’t hold his jock when it comes to bunting, or fielding for that matter, but that’s a different story.”
Soriano, who has never laid down a successful bunt in his career was disappointed to not be invited to the Cubs’ Big Bunting Dance, but welcomed his opportunity to participate in the bunt NIT.
“I drew Coppin State in the first round,” said Soriano. “I will hit the home run.”
By Jeremy Barewin
