Luis Soto Stats & Scouting Report

AB	1067
AVG	.24
OBP	.301
SLG	.37
HR	26

Full name Luis A. Soto
Born 12/07/1985 in Bani, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 179 / Bats: S / Throws: R

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

After signing for $500,000 in November 2003, Soto began his career in the United States. All went well in the complex-based Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2004, but Soto had a harder time making cultural adjustments when he began last season in Greenville. He struggled on the field, looked out of shape and didn't take responsibility for his slow start. After a month, the Red Sox demoted him to extended spring training before eventually turning him loose in the New York-Penn League, where he prospered. A switch-hitter, Soto generates excellent bat speed from both sides of the plate and his power potential is among the best in the system. He still has a lot to figure out at the plate, because he swings at too many first pitches and chases offspeed stuff, but his upside is huge. He's a natural athlete, but Boston moved him off shortstop last year because they wanted to expedite the development of his bat and figured he'd eventually outgrow the position. Soto became a right fielder in spring training. While his routes can be rough, he did show improvement and has the strong arm needed to play in right. He'll give low Class A another try this year.
International scouting director Louie Eljaua left to become a Pirates special assistant in January 2004, but he left Soto as a going-away present. Signed for $500,000 just before Eljaua departed, Soto rated as the Gulf Coast League's top prospect in his pro debut. Boston's minor league instructors have been told not to touch Soto's swing. He has great handeye coordination, quick hands and a fluid stroke from both sides of the plate. He has more power potential than any hitter in the system, with the chance to become a 30-homer hitter. His strong arm is his best defensive tool, and he also has good speed. He adapted well and picked up English quickly in his first year in the United States. While Soto has natural actions at shortstop, his instincts and fundamentals lag behind because he has limited game experience. He makes contact so easily that he won't draw many walks unless he becomes much more patient. Soto likely will begin 2005 in extended spring training before heading to short-season Lowell. With Edgar Renteria and Hanley Ramirez ahead of him, Soto could move to third base.
The Red Sox have beefed up their shortstop depth in the lower minors with Latin American signings over the last three year. In 2001 they signed Dominican Alex Penalo, who has topped .300 in both his pro seasons while showing above-average defensive tools. They went to Venezuela the following year for Christian Lara, who was their 2003 Dominican Summer League player of the year. Last December they landed Soto for $500,000. Soto stood out at October's World Wood Bat Championship showcase in Jupiter, Fla., where he was one of three Latin players to participate. He's the type of player the new Boston regime has put an emphasis on finding: one with strong physical tools and a mature approach beyond his years. At 18, Soto already knows how to recognize and deal with breaking pitches, and he also shows some aptitude for pulling the ball. He has a fluid stroke and quick hands at the plate. Soto also has plus speed and shortstop skills, with range, arm strength and actions. Because he's so advanced, it's likely that he'll come straight to the United States for his pro debut. He could share time with Lara in the Gulf Coast League.

Minor League Top Prospects

After Soto was rated the GCL's top prospect as a shortstop in 2004, the Red Sox moved him to right field and aggressively started him in low Class A this April. Boston found his attitude and effort lacking, however, earning Soto a demotion to Lowell, where he flourished. A switch-hitter, Soto has excellent bat speed from both sides and some of the best power potential in the Red Sox system. His ceiling rivals that of anyone in the league. He loves to swing at the first pitch and is susceptible to offspeed stuff, but that didn't make him any less of a threat. Still extremely raw in the outfield, Soto is prone to taking bad routes on fly balls. He did make some progress, though, and his arm strength is a plus.
Blessed with excellent work habits and a mature approach, Soto made huge strides after signing, particularly with the glove. He displayed excellent arm strength and the ability to make plays from the hole. "He knew nothing of how to play shortstop in extended spring training," Red Sox manager Ralph Treuel said. "But he made terrific progress to where he's now a legitimate shortstop with natural shortstop actions. He does everything defensively." With Ramirez and Dustin Pedroia (a second-round pick in this year's draft) ahead of him on the organization depth chart, Soto may face a switch to third base down the road. He should be able to provide enough offense at either position after demonstrating an ability to turn on the GCL's best fastballs with ease from both sides of the plate. He hit all five of his home runs in a two-week stretch.