Backup Catcher Preview

The Cubs' backup catcher will most likely be Koyie Hill. 
Koyie did well subbing for Geovany Soto last season when Soto suffered various injuries.  In fact, he made 26 consecutive starts for Soto while he was injured in early July through early August.

The Cubs avoided arbitration with Hill, who will be paid $700,000 for 2010.

Last season, Hill batted .237 with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homers, and 24 RBIs.  He walked 27 times and struck out 78 times.

Hill should be a quality backup for Soto.  Hopefully, Soto will stay healthy and Hill won't be needed so much this year.

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.