05-10-2008, 03:42 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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Geovany Soto Wins Rookie of the Month Award for April
The Official Site of The Chicago Cubs: News: Soto catches Gillette rookie honor
Quote:
April has come and gone and with that comes a tip of the cap to Cubs catcher Geovany Soto as top rookie in the National League.
In the charter version of Major League Baseball's newest award, Soto outpolled teammate and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, right-hander Jair Jurrjens of the Braves and Cardinals right-hander Kyle McClellan to win the Rookie of the Month Award presented by Gillette.
Rangers outfielder David Murphy was so honored in the American League as online fan voting played a pivotal role in both league awards that includes a $5,000 charitable donation. Voters also will have a shot at attending this year's All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium or a 2008 World Series Game.
Soto, who was the 2007 MVP of the Pacific Coast League, hit .341 with five homers, eight doubles and 20 RBIs in April while posting a most impressive OPS of 1.059. Valued for both defensive and offensive skills, Cubs manager Lou Piniella counseled him this spring to use all fields and not simply rely on his power to left field.
"We've told Soto it would be very difficult for him to try to pull the ball solely and strictly -- that you have to have perfect timing -- and very few players have success in the big leagues that way, if at all," Piniella said.
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Congrats to Soto!
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Geovany Soto Wins Rookie of the Month Award for April
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