Look Out Baseball, Here Comes Jorge Soler

“I want to keep doing what I’m doing,” Soler said through interpreter Henry Blanco before getting on base twice Saturday. “Play the game the right way.”

Welp, that’s good to hear, young man. (Cc: Jesse Rogers for the post-game quotes.)

The 23-year-old uber-talented outfielder hasn’t performed well this year, we all know that. However, over the last four or five games, Soler has flashed plenty of that outrageous talent that so many in the Cubs organization know he has in the tank.

Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago offered insight from manager Joe Maddon after yesterday’s 5-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants.

“It’s nice to see George play a complete game,” Maddon said. “That’s what we’re looking for from all of our guys. We just don’t want hitters. We want guys that play a complete game.”

That’s been Jorge’s big issue; staying involved defensively and maintaining a high level of awareness. It literally means everything. Baseball is 75% mental, and seeing a player as talented as Jorge struggle points directly between the ears.

His defense has been great this series, and he’s been on base four times in two games, to go along with three hits – one being an absolute seed into the left field bleachers during Friday’s beat down.

He’s seeing the ball well right now, and not chasing the slow, soft off-speed pitches nearly as much as he had been.

Jorge’s confidence has stayed high. Thank Papa Joe Maddon for that.

The mad scientist continues to trot him out there and bat him in the middle of the order, and it’s starting to pay dividends.

This kid is so, so damn talented. If he can continue to stay involved mentally and continue to improve defensively, the bat will REALLY wake up.

Pray for pitchers, when that happens (PS – it’s happening).