Chicago Cubs: Potential options to replace Kyle Schwarber
This could be the time Jorge Soler steps up and really shows the Chicago Cubs what he’s capable of, as he’s most likely the favorite to be the full-time replacement for Schwarber this season. Following the first three games of this season, Soler has 10 plate appearances, totaling one hit and one RBI. He also walked once and struck out three times.
For Soler, even though his bat is important, the Cubs need him to man left field as well, maybe more importantly than his presence at the plate due to the fact of how loaded the rest of the Cubs lineup is.
Last season, Solar played in 101 games with the Cubs, his second MLB season, in which he had a .262 batting average with a .324 on-base percentage and .399 slugging percentage. In the field, he has a .993 fielding percentage, with those games coming in right field.
Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com wrote this of Soler on Friday night:
"“Maddon rightly preached patience during the spring for the only Cuban and non-English-speaking player on the team. Undoubtedly the transition to the United States has been tough, but it’s been several years and it’s time to find out who Soler is as a player.”"
On Friday, in the 3-2 loss by the Cubs to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Soler was the left fielder, batting 1-for-4.
Like many believe, this job is Soler’s to lose now, and if he doesn’t produce better at the MLB level than he ever has, well, the Cubs have the depth within their organization to find someone else to fill the role.
The question is how much time will Soler get to become accustomed with his new starting role, because like mentioned before, the Cubs are predicted and built to compete not just in the NL Central, but in the postseason as well. First they’ll have to be a well-oiled machine. Soler’s play, even though he won’t be the main focal point, has to be at the highest level possible and maybe then some with the pressures he’ll be facing from here on out.
Next: Shane Victorino