Geovany Soto

[mgallagher]

What are eveyone's thoughts on Soto being given a legitimate shot to earn the #1 catching job next year? By the way, how is he defensively?

[sethuel1]

Geovany Soto

[UBlink]

What are eveyone's thoughts on Soto being given a legitimate shot to earn the #1 catching job next year? By the way, how is he defensively?

 

I-Cubs, C-Cubs or NL All Star?

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/08/fast-food-for-6.html

 

I'm not sure I agree with this, but consider what Baseball America has to say about Geovany Soto, the 24-year-old catcher in the Cubs' system who is bidding for MVP honors in the Pacific Coast League:

 

"It's unclear why Soto is still in Triple-A, where [he] has proven to be one of the best hitters in the Pacific Coast League and the Cubs have sifted through multiple bodies behind the plate. ... Although Jason Kendall has hit well beyond reasonable expectations since joining the Cubs, Soto is likely the better near- and long-term option for the franchise."

 

Soto is having a hell of a year, hitting .357 with 25 home runs and 106 RBIs in 107 games while splitting time between catcher and first base, but Kendall is the better fit right now. His experience figures to be invaluable in the last five weeks of the season -- although, yes, it would have been nice if he could have gotten a bunt down in the ninth inning on Sunday.

 

Jim Hendry faces a tough decision on Kendall after the season. It would be possible to carry Kendall, Henry Blanco (signed through 2008) and Soto next year but only if Lou Piniella bought into Soto having value as a bat off the bench and backup first baseman while he does a big-league apprenticeship as a catcher.

[Brian]

With Soto doing so well in the Minors, will the Cubs try to put Jason Kendall on the market in the offseason to make way for Koyie Hill and Soto to take the reins behind the plate?

-- Zach L., Mokena, Ill.

 

The Cubs don't have that option of putting Kendall "on the market" because the veteran is not signed for next season, and will be a free agent. Soto, 24, has had an impressive season at Triple-A Iowa, both offensively and behind the plate. He arrived in Spring Training this year in the best shape of his career, and he has to do the same in 2008 to win the job. Henry Blanco, by the way, is signed through 2008.

 

 

 

 

Did people actually watch Koyie Hill ????

[Moonlight Graham]

With Soto doing so well in the Minors, will the Cubs try to put Jason Kendall on the market in the offseason to make way for Koyie Hill and Soto to take the reins behind the plate?

-- Zach L., Mokena, Ill.

 

The Cubs don't have that option of putting Kendall "on the market" because the veteran is not signed for next season, and will be a free agent. Soto, 24, has had an impressive season at Triple-A Iowa, both offensively and behind the plate. He arrived in Spring Training this year in the best shape of his career, and he has to do the same in 2008 to win the job. Henry Blanco, by the way, is signed through 2008.

 

 

 

 

Did people actually watch Koyie Hill ????

 

Or how about this gem....

Did the Cubs sign Scott Podsednik from the White Sox? If so, how soon before we see him play?

-- Scot B., Las Vegas

 

The Cubs did not sign Podsednik, they made a waiver claim on the outfielder, but the parent team -- in this case, the White Sox -- had the option of pulling him off the waiver wire. The Sox opted to keep Podsednik. That's why it's so difficult to make deals after the July 31 trading deadline. Players must clear waivers before they can be dealt.

 

Scot B from Las Vegas you are an idiot.

 

Sorry back on topic.