Player Name: Neftali Soto
Position: Outfielder
School: Colegio Maristas HS, PR
School Type: High School
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 02/28/89
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 05/8/07
Game(s): Puerto Rico pre-draft workout
Scouting Video:
Focus Area Comments
Hitting Ability: Soto has a good set of hitting tools and grades out as an average hitter right now.
Power: Soto has plus raw power projection.
Running Speed: Soto's speed grades out as slightly above-average.
Fielding: He has long actions in the field and might need to move to shortstop.
Arm Strength: Soto has an average arm.
Range: Despite having good speed, he doesn't have the first-step quickness to have the range needed to stay at shortstop.
Physical Description: Soto is an athletic infielder with a body type similar to Mike Lowell.
Medical Update: Healthy.
Strengths: He's got a good overall package of tools, with power projection being the best one.
Weaknesses: He doesn't have the defensive game to stay at shortstop.
Summary: Soto has an intriguing package of tools that includes raw power and above-average speed. Currently a shortstop, he doesn't profile as a guy who'll be able to stay there, particularly range-wise. That's OK, because his offensive skill set fits better at third. He should hit enough for the position and could develop into a No. 5 or 6 hitter in a big-league lineup.