The Cubs are in rebuilding mode. Since the Theo Epstein era began here in Chicago, hopes have been high on Theo building a team that can finally break the 100+ year streak of not winning a World Series.
It won’t be easy and it won’t happen right away. Patience is require for the magnitude of building a team that can compete and make the playoffs first. Then worry about getting to the World Series.
The Cubs are moving in the right direction however, boosting their farm system with prospects capable of being building blocks to the future. Last season they traded a nice arm in Andrew Cashner for Anthony Rizzo, a sweet swinging left handed hitter with potential of Gold Glove defense at first base.
Not to mention the development of Starlin Castro who continues to show he can hit at the major league level. With Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters joining the Cubs this season, the Cubs have a good look at what their immediate future will look like.
Then comes the two more recent acquisitions from Theo, Albert Almora and Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler. Both youngsters were acquired this season, Almora through the draft, and Soler a free agent from Cuba.
As both Almora and Soler expect to be key pieces for the Cubs outfield of the future, the excitement is growing for both players potential.
While Almora is having a solid season in Low-A and Rookie ball, Soler is tearing the ball up in Peoria for the Chiefs.
The 20-year old outfielder hit .338, slugged .513, had a .910 OPS, with five home-runs and fifteen RBI’s in just 20 games with the Cubs Class-A affiliate. Soler looks ready to take his five tool potential to the next level, and will likely get the chance next season starting out in AA.
ChiCitySports.com recently sat down with Jorge Soler, as the Chiefs were on a three game road trip in Beloit to take on the Snappers. We wanted to get a sense of what Soler is thinking and how he’s adjusting to baseball in America.
CCS: Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us Jorge. Can you tell me what it feels like to be a top prospect in the Cubs system?
JS: I don’t know how to describe it. I feel good about.
CCS: With Theo taking over and the Cubs in re-building mode, how does it feel to know you’re part of the future with the Cubs?
JS: I’m excited to be part of the future. Whatever I have to work on for the next few years, and make the adjustments I have to make to be an impact in the Cubs future. Right now I’m just taking me time with it.
CCS: Are you feeling comfortable playing over here in America? Is it a completely different feeling playing over here?
JS: I feel a lot more comfortable now, it’s a big difference for me right now.
CCS: How is it coming here and playing in bigger stadiums? What’s the biggest difference? Does it take some getting used to playing in bigger stadiums?
JS: The stadiums here are in better condition. It’s different because there’s a lot more people that come here to the games here, but it hasn’t really bothered me.
CCS: What was it like playing with rookie and fellow prospect Albert Almora?
JS:I really enjoyed playing with him. He’s a good teammate, he helped me a lot. I helped him as well, we both gave each other tips in the outfield.
CCS: With plate discipline being important for all hitters, is it hard adjusting to some pitchers over here in the States?
JS: I feel like my plate discipline is getting better day by day because I’m seeing more pitches and getting my timing back. I’ve been working hard everyday with our hitting coach here (Peoria).
CCS: Thank you Jorge for your time, and good luck the rest of the way. We look forward to seeing you as part of the Cubs future.
-Photo Courtesy of MLtraveler.com
Bye-bye Peoria, Hello Kane County
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