Cubs LF Soriano named Player of Week

May 19, 2008 - 6:04 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- After an impressive power display, Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano on Monday was named National League Player of the Week.

Soriano hit seven home runs and drove in 14 runs last week while batting .516 (16-for-31) and recording a slugging percentage of 1.258.

A six-time All-Star, Soriano became only the second leadoff hitter in the last 40 years with consecutive multi-homer contests. He belted two home runs in games against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday and Saturday.

On Tuesday against San Diego, Soriano hit his 45th career leadoff homer, passing Brady Anderson for third place on the all-time list.

Also considered for the award were Soriano's teammates, second baseman Mark DeRosa and pitcher Ryan Dempster.