Recently traded Mark DeRosa went to bat for Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano -- as a leadoff hitter.

On the ''Mully and Hanley'' program Monday on

WSCR-AM (670), DeRosa said: ''Soriano is one of the best players in the game, and he goes on tears that most humans can't even fathom. Most Baseball players can't do the things he does. And that's where he feels comfortable; that's where [manager] Lou [Piniella] chooses to hit him. ... I'm sure if Lou went to him and discussed a lineup change or him moving in the order and could show him why it would help the team more, I'm sure Sori would be up for it.

''I think he's one of the best teammates I've ever been around as far as character and charisma and the clubhouse and keeping guys loose and being able to do things other guys don't.

''The fans and sometimes the media have a misconception: Players don't worry about stuff like that. Once the game starts, we go out and play. We're so used to him being in the leadoff hole that you don't second-guess when you're on the field.''

GRAB SOME BENCH, BUSH

KITTLE GOES TO BAT FOR THE PRESIDENT

All Barack Obama, all the time (or as frequently as humanly possible so that people will continue to purchase papers and/or other Sun-Times items featuring the president-elect):

Quick Hits takes a timeout from coverage of President-elect Barack Obama (don't worry -- or be delighted -- because the feature will resume Thursday) for a George W. Bush item:

Ron Kittle to the White House? The former Sox slugger has built a bench fit for a king. OK, a president.

He has crafted one from mostly red bats, with a couple of blue ones for contrast. He tacked on a presidential seal for a photo that would catch the attention of those at the White House with the hope that President George W. Bush will use the bench, possibly in his Texas home.

Kittle's work is on display at www.ronkittle.com.

MIDWEEK MUSINGS

ROD AND REAL

The Bears appear to be in a no-win situation in terms of offering an assistant's job to deposed Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli. Oh, wait. That's merely Marinelli's 2008 victory total.

- The San Diego Padres can be sold in what seems like a matter of minutes, while the sale of the Cubs languishes in extra innings (although the end might be near). The difference seemingly is because Padres owner John Moores is going through a divorce, while there's no way Tribune Co. owner Sam Zell is able to divorce himself from the need to raise money to help diminish the company's huge debt load. Think of it as a financial squeeze play.

- Maybe next year the college football bowls -- in an effort to curtail costs -- can pay Big Ten teams not to show up. Oh, wait. That's what the conference powers pretty much did this postseason.

- Matt Iseman, the host of the entertaining ''Sports Soup'' on Versus and a fave of The Wife from Style Network's ''Clean House,'' will be in town Thursday-Sunday as the headliner at the Chicago Improv of Schaumburg. Guess he longed for the wonderful weather Chicago has at this time of year.

- Speaking of cable-TV stars, TLC reportedly is readying a show called ''NASCAR Wives.'' The reality series sounds as though it will be akin to Bravo's ''The Real Housewives of Orange County,'' only with more gas fumes and less cosmetic surgery.