Geovany Soto Named 2008 National League Rookie of the Year
In a near unanimous voting decision, Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto was named the 2008 National League Rookie of the Year. Not much of a surprise there really as he had a solid and consistent year. Unless you’re one of those people who forgot that he was a rookie, which was easy to do considering the consistency, maturity, hard play and strong handling of the Cubs pitching staff.
Geovany Soto wasn’t even considered a top Cubs prospect until the 2007 season when he erupted offensively and won the Pacific Coast League MVP by batting .353 with 26 home runs and 109 RBI. This earned a September call up in which he hit .426 and eventually took the starting job from Jason Kendall. People wondered why he wasn’t called up sooner but considering the way some Cubs rookies have been rushed to the majors as the “next big thing” only to crumble under the pressure it seems like it was worth the wait.
Geovany Soto hit .285 with 23 home runs and 86 RBI in his 2008 rookie season in the Majors. His rookie season highlights include:
- The first rookie catcher to star the National League All Star Team
- Won National League Rookie of the Month award twice, in April and August
- Handled the Cubs pitching staff which had the third lowest ERA in the league
- Hit a game tying 3 run homer in the ninth inning against Milwaukee on Sept 18th
- Hit two 3-run Home Runs on April 30
- Hit an Inside the Park Home Run versus the Astros on May 19, 2008
- On August 26 against the Pirates he went 3 for 5 with 7 RBIs
- Caught the Carlos Zambrano No Hitter on September 14, 2008
And even more. Geovany Soto contributed big time to the Cubs in 2008 and we’re hoping he can do the same in 2009; continue to develop as a hitter, a fielder and a clubhouse leader. He plays hard, doesn’t make excuses and leads by example. Soto has the potential to become the face of the franchise in years to come.
So Geovany Soto, this frosty Old Style is for you Buddy, CONGRATULATIONS!
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Chicago Cubs Rookies of the Year Winners:
- Billy Williams - 1961
- Ken Hubbs - 1962
- Jerome Walton - 1989
- Kerry Wood - 1998
- Geovany Soto - 2008
Let’s hope that Geovany Soto can avoid the “sophomore slump” and rookie of the year curses that have struck the last couple Cubs rookie of the year sensations. I think Soto is going to be a star on this team and in the league.
Detroit Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski has reportedly been saying the Tigers are not interested in acquiring any
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