Official Jorge Soler Watch Thread

**JosMin** · 02-14-2012, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by FirstTimer

Uhh, pump the brakes there.

It really doesn't/wouldn't IMO.

Agree. Soler would be a welcomed addition, but our farm system still lacks depth, especially when it comes to pitching. While I'm excited about Jackson, Baez and Rizzo, I'm not sold on any of them becoming superstars. Solid everyday players? Absolutely. Those three, along with Castro, make a nice nucleus, but I don't see any of them truly being guys you can build a franchise around.

Depending how well we draft this year, I think we could definitely make a push towards a top 10 farm system, but let's be honest -- we simply don't have the depth teams like Tampa, Kansas City and Toronto have. On top of that, those teams also have guys with huge ceilings, as well as guys who can come in this year and make immediate impacts. Could Jackson come in sometime this year and perform well? Maybe. I just don't see him coming in and blowing everyone away. He still struggled last year making contact in AAA (64Ks in 215 ABs) and saying he'll have 25HR power is pushing it. Hopefully he can improve our outfield defensively and become a threat on the basepaths.

**cubsneedmiracle** · 02-14-2012, 10:31 AM

Getting closer.

**Rice Cube** · 02-14-2012, 01:33 PM

Not so fast...

2/14 Cubs interested in Soler

No confirm yet.

**dabynsky** · 02-14-2012, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by JosMin

Agree. Soler would be a welcomed addition, but our farm system still lacks depth, especially when it comes to pitching. While I'm excited about Jackson, Baez and Rizzo, I'm not sold on any of them becoming superstars. Solid everyday players? Absolutely. Those three, along with Castro, make a nice nucleus, but I don't see any of them truly being guys you can build a franchise around.

Depending how well we draft this year, I think we could definitely make a push towards a top 10 farm system, but let's be honest -- we simply don't have the depth teams like Tampa, Kansas City and Toronto have. On top of that, those teams also have guys with huge ceilings, as well as guys who can come in this year and make immediate impacts. Could Jackson come in sometime this year and perform well? Maybe. I just don't see him coming in and blowing everyone away. He still struggled last year making contact in AAA (64Ks in 215 ABs) and saying he'll have 25HR power is pushing it. Hopefully he can improve our outfield defensively and become a threat on the basepaths.

Depth is one issue the Cubs system does not have. The problem is that we don't have many high end prospects, but we have lots and lots of guys that are interesting. In a recent chat, Jim Callis said that the Cubs might have the best prospects in the 31-50 range of an organization. Depth isn't the issue. Guys that project to be impact players is.

Everything else you stated though is spot on with your assessment of where the Cubs system ranks.

**JosMin** · 02-14-2012, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by dabynsky

Depth is one issue the Cubs system does not have. The problem is that we don't have many high end prospects, but we have lots and lots of guys that are interesting. In a recent chat, Jim Callis said that the Cubs might have the best prospects in the 31-50 range of an organization. Depth isn't the issue. Guys that project to be impact player is.

Everything else you stated though is spot on with your assessment of where the Cubs system ranks.

I should've clarified -- lack of quality depth. Baez, Rizzo and Jackson are all solid prospects, but not what I'd consider Grade A prospects.

**dabynsky** · 02-14-2012, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by JosMin

I should've clarified -- lack of quality depth. Baez, Rizzo and Jackson are all solid prospects, but not what I'd consider Grade A prospects.

One can argue about the various rankings of the Cubs top prospects, but I agree that the Cubs top prospects don't stack up with the top farm systems currently. Adding Soler would improving that situation, but there would still be a sizeable gap between what the Cubs have at the top compared to what those systems have.

**Pepe Silvia** · 02-14-2012, 06:56 PM

I agree to an extent, but I think with the addition of Soler, we have some pretty good position prospects in the system. The pitching is what is pretty crappy, but Concepcion and Maples could change that. And I think we might have a pretty pitching-oriented draft this year.

**bleacherbum54** · 02-14-2012, 07:07 PM

Disciplinary action could surround Soler

**Rice Cube** · 02-14-2012, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by bleacherbum54

Disciplinary action could surround Soler

That'd be so Cub

I think whoever broke the "rumor" shot their wad a bit early though so Cubs are probably not in any trouble.

**DewsSox79** · 02-14-2012, 07:13 PM

yankees are making a push per mlbtr

**dabynsky** · 02-14-2012, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Pepe Silvia

I agree to an extent, but I think with the addition of Soler, we have some pretty good position prospects in the system. The pitching is what is pretty crappy, but Concepcion and Maples could change that. And I think we might have a pretty pitching-oriented draft this year.

Again it depends on what we are talking about. The Cubs don't have anyone that really profiles as a top of the rotation starter in the upper minors. There are a number of interesting guys that could be middle of the rotation or back end starters though. Concepcion really doesn't change that since most seem to rate his stuff out in the same range as what the system has in McNutt, Struck, Rhee, etc. Maples will be interesting to watch and a few of the other arms the Cubs have in the lower levels because there is the possibility of a few gems coming out of that group.

It will be very interesting to see how the draft plays out with the new restrictions effectively altering the strategy of drafting.

**Jntg4** · 02-14-2012, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by JosMin

I should've clarified -- lack of quality depth. Baez, Rizzo and Jackson are all solid prospects, but not what I'd consider Grade A prospects.

Usually they are given a B+.

BTW, Goldstein has Soler in at #20 on the all-team prospect list.

**Jntg4** · 02-14-2012, 07:36 PM

Concepcion is ranked our 19th best prospect by Goldstein - nothing really special.

**Mitch8B** · 02-14-2012, 07:36 PM

According to sites I have read, Soler has greater upside than Cespedes. 5 tool player with power .

**Jntg4** · 02-14-2012, 07:38 PM

My bad, Cespedes in #20, Soler number #39

**Jntg4** · 02-14-2012, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by DewsSox79

yankees are making a push per mlbtr

Theo should tell Cashman to get on his knees. Fucking hate him.

**Shawon0Meter** · 02-15-2012, 09:49 AM

According to MLBTR, the Phillies are in too.

**Rice Cube** · 02-15-2012, 04:04 PM

Latest On Jorge Soler: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Everyone and their mother is now in on Soler

**DewsSox79** · 02-15-2012, 04:29 PM

this is the guy i want.

**waldo7239117** · 02-15-2012, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by DewsSox79

this is the guy i want.

Heyman: Marlins in mix.

**bleacherbum54** · 02-15-2012, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by waldo7239117

Too bad the sox reportedly don't have the money for him, don't ask for a source because I don't know where I saw it. If I find it, I'll say who...possibly.

Heyman: Marlins in mix.

LOL dont ask for a source??? That is ridiculous if you say something cite where you heard it.

**GocubsGo223** · 02-15-2012, 06:12 PM

Anyone know where I can see scouting reports on the guy? I want to know what the buzz is about. Hopefully he kicks ass and will work out well with the rebuild.

**Rice Cube** · 02-15-2012, 06:17 PM

This is the first hit off Google:

Scouting Report: Jorge Soler (OF) | Baseball Prospect Nation

**GocubsGo223** · 02-15-2012, 06:26 PM

Thanks for that.

Sounds just like the type of player the Cubs should take a gamble on. I can't wait to see how the team develops over the next few years. Hopefully its for the better.