Sosa Takes the 5th

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 19, 2004 2:53PM

In a rare display of unselfishness, Cubs slumping slugger Sammy Sosa volunteered to move down to the 5th spot in the batting order. Wednesday night was the first time since 1994 that Sosa hit anywhere other than 3rd or cleanup in the lineup.

"I have been thinking about this for a week. And [Tuesday night] I made it official," Sosa said. "I'm doing what is best for the team. I don't mind doing it. I will hit fifth the rest of the year, whatever they want."

The move had also been on Baker's mind. "I told him I had been thinking about it for a while. He said he wanted to help us get to the playoffs and the World Series."

"Sometimes both sides feel better when someone comes forward, versus you mandating that particular move," Baker commented. "Somebody asked me back in Chicago if I ever had a player ask me to move him down in the order. I said no. And this is the first time. It was a good, noble move. A good team move."

Chicagoist wonders why Baker didn't initiate this move days ago to help the team rather than coddle Sammy the way he did. The team is bigger than one player and his ego, especially when that player is hitting .258 with 26 home runs and 57 RBIs. Beside, did Sosa really want to help the team... or is he just looking to stiffle the growing boos at Wrigley?