Starting Catcher Preview

My plan is to review position by position all of the projected active roster Cubs for 2010.  We'll start with catcher.

The projected starter is Geovany Soto, who has started the last two seasons for the Cubs.  A rookie in 2008, Soto was both National League Rookie of the Year and an All Star.  Pretty good for a rookie.  Geovany is older than his years in that he handles the pitching staff well.

In 2008, Soto batted .285, with 35 doubles, 2 triples, 23 homers, 86 RBIs and 66 runs scored.  He did not have a stolen base and struck out 121 times.  He did walk 62 times.

Soto suffered from the all too common sophomore curse in 2009, seeing his batting average drop to .218.  All of his numbers were similarly down, hitting 11 homers, 19 doubles, 1 triple and knocking in only 47.  He scored 27 times, walked 50 times and struck out 77 times.  Soto also saw less playing time, as he suffered from various injuries during the course of the season.

2010 could be a big year for Soto.  He has reportedly slimmed down, losing 40 pounds over the offseason.  If Soto can return to his rookie year form, he will be a force to be reckoned with.  In fact, in my opinion, the Cubs season will be determined by how well Soto does.  Given Soto's offseason focus that has resulted in his slim new look, I expect Soto will snap back into form and put up good numbers this year.