Soto see-saw

Sep 19, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto hits a RBI single during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

As the Chicago Cubs prepare to break camp in a couple of weeks, a question lingers over the catcher’s spot. Which Geovany Soto will show up for 2012? In 2008, Soto won the National League Rookie of the Year award, hitting .285 with 23 home runs and 86 runs batted in. He followed that up with a dismal 2009 season, which many attributed to the common ‘sophomore slump.’

However, this trend has continued through last season. In odd numbered years, Soto has averaged a .222 mark, while in even numbered years; he has averaged nearly sixty points higher, coming in at .283. His power numbers have remained relatively constant, and he has handled Cubs’ pitching well. But for the Cubs to compete in 2012, they need Soto to raise his batting average, and simply put, just get on base.

With Carlos Pena having departed to Tampa Bay, and Aramis Ramirez signing with Milwaukee, Soto now becomes an integral part of the youth-laden offense. The only other proven power bat in the lineup is Soriano, who experienced a bit of a revival offensively last season, but has been inconsistent on the North Side. More often than not, Soto is slated in the sixth or seventh hole in projected lineups, but this should not be taken as an insult. The Cubs desperately need someone to provide a punch in the lower half of the lineup. Josh Vitters, Brett Jackson, and Anthony Rizzo all could see action in 2012, but that’s yet to be seen.

Odds are, Soto will hit around 20 home runs and drive in 50 or so runs. What remains to be seen is how much he will get on base. If he can hit around .260, it’s a successful season in my books. With Steve Clevenger and Wellington Castillo in the wings, Soto needs to produce. Granted, neither of them are budding superstars, there’s a fair chance Epstein could look to unload Soto’s contract when it expires. He is set to make $4.3 million in 2012, and is arbitration-eligible following the season.

Defensively, Soto is average, at best. He tied with Chris Iannetta and leading all Major League catchers in assists last year with 11, but on the other hand, he made an MLB-leading 13 errors as well. He also allowed 85 steals, which was the second-most in the majors. In other words, his defense is not going to give Cubs’ management any reason to keep him around should he struggle offensively. As one of the veterans of the 2012 team at age 29, he will look to help mold the Cubs’ new pitching staff, working closely with the new pitching coach Chris Bosio to create a winner.

Tags: chicago cubs, geovany soto, Theo Epstein