Geovany Soto
From BR Bullpen
Geovany Soto
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 195 lb.
- Debut September 23, 2005
- Born January 20, 1983 in San Juan, P.R.
[edit] Biographical Information
Geovany Soto was signed by scout Jose Trujillo for the Chicago Cubs in June 2001. He made his pro debut that summer with the AZL Cubs. His minor league career was mostly not that impressive, as he never hit over .275 nor had as many as 10 homers in a full season until his breakout 2007 season with Iowa when he hit .353 with 26 home runs in 110 games. Soto backed up Robinzon Diaz as the World catcher in the 2007 Futures Game, striking out in his lone at-bat.
Soto was chosen the 2008 National League Rookie of the Year. In a hint of what was to come, he had slugged .667 in 18 games in 2007. In July 2009, it was announced that Soto tested positive for marijuana during testing for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He was banned from international competition for two years, but MLB decided not to penalize him. He slipped noticeably that year, struggling to keep his batting average over .220 while his power seemingly disappeared.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2008 NL Rookie of the Year Award
- 2008 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- NL All-Star (2008)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (2008)
| NL Rookie of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| Ryan Braun | Geovany Soto | Chris Coghlan |
