H/W: 6-2 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 2/28/89
The young Puerto Rican 3B had a stellar season splitting time between short season Low-A Billings and Low-A Dayton. Utilizing his precise hand-eye coordination and his sweet swing, Soto blasted pitching at both levels to the tune of a .340 BA with 11 HR 47 RBI and 25 doubles in just 67 games. He has good power now, but is projected to turn many of those doubles into HR's as he builds more strength. Last season, Soto demonstrated an advanced ability to make contact, striking out just 46 times, but he does need to continue to work on drawing more walks if he wants to sustain his success against advanced pitchers. Defensively, he profiles to be an average 3B though his glove and arm strength are questionable and may force him to move to a corner OF position.
2009 Projection: His success at the two levels last season ensures that he will likely begin the '09 season at High-A Sarasota as their starting 3B. It will be interesting to see how his power develops this season. Many young hitters that hit a high number of doubles early in their careers build enough strength to turn them to HR's as they mature. Soto has the ability to be a 30+ HR hitter at the major league level though it will likely be as an OF rather than a 3B.
Key Neftali Soto Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/999
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/645
- 2008 Prime Cuts Auto #/249
- 2008 Leaf Limited Auto
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