The curious case of Joakim Soria

Saturday evening the Royals had a rare win and to me even more amazing was Trey Hillman had a lead going into the 8th inning and put relief ace Joakim Soria in the game. Actually Trey had gotten the boot earlier in the game but he said it was discussed beforehand to perhaps finally use Soria in this way. Especially due to a recent bullpen implosion of blowing late inning leads I and others have been pushing for an earlier usage of our best relief pitcher Joakim Soria. My thinking that the ultimate point in playing the games are to win, why not use your players in a manner to do so. Manager Hillman has been adamant about not using him in this way as he did not want to injure him by using him more than in today's manner of only one inning and only in the traditional save situations. The Royals being a bad team, are so infrequently in today's strict requirements for closers in save situations, our best reliever is subsequently rarely used.
So Joakim pitches two innings and gets his team a much needed win. He did throw 37 pitches in doing so but looked a strong as he ever has in the 9th.
On WHB this morning Soren Petro is reporting that people close to the situation are telling him that it is Joakim Soria who has been reluctant to go more than an inning at a time. Now thinking is that Manager Hillman has just been covering for "Jack" by his earlier arguments of not using him more. On a side note, am I the only one who is somewhat put off by Joakim being called Jack by his manager? It just kind of reminds me of Roberto Clemente being called "Bob" at the beginning of his career. Perhaps this is what Joakim wants and asks to be called.
I have often questioned those who say Soria should be considered untouchable as far trade bait. I frankly have a hard time with anyone on the Royals being considered in this way, Zack Greinke perhaps but if the offer is ridiculously good I think you have to be open minded no matter who it is. This is a bad team with lots of dollars tied up for next season as well. If these reports are true I think the Royals should be receptive to inquiries about Joakim. I like Soria and think he is a real asset but again this is a bad team and an ace closer is almost a waste on this team. Especially if he is unable or unwilling to pitch in a manner that this team needs.