Of course, though that's not the preferred approach. You'd rather he offer some defensive value so there's less pressure on the bat developing to its Nth degree potential.
In the couple of games I watched of Soderstrom at C in Team USA Baseball U-18, his pitch framing seemed fine. His arm, while strong, isn't very accurate. I'd compare his low 3/4 throwing motion to Pablo Sandoval's (I'll get back to him later.) Otherwise, I didn't see much of a difference in his catching from Drew Romo's, who's arguably the best defensive prep C in this draft. I admit I have more video to watch, so my judgment of his catching ability may change.
Here's where I make another Pablo Sandoval comparison. Both of their swings from the left side are whiplike and fun to watch, producing easy doubles-power. I'd even project Soderstrom at his peak to mirror 2009 or 2011 Sandoval. Did I mention they both started as catchers in their youth? Am I saying he'll be as successful as Pablo? No, but I'd take a chance at him with the Giants' pick.
Well, of all the guys listed here, I guess I'm hoping for Soderstrom or Abel in the first round. (The universe does owe us a useful Soderstrom, right?). But I suspect some team before us will succumb to the potential of Abel, and if he's not there then I guess Soderstrom is my hope. Hey - maybe he'll be my long-hoped-for heir to Matt Williams at 3B. I mean, they have to get serious about the hot corner at some point, right?
I do suspect that's where Luciano ends up, which would probably fill your need Lyle! (Funny I was just looking through some old minor league lines and happened upon Jack Clark's great 18 year old season in Fresno where he played their hot corner. It's a crying shame they didn't keep him there, eh?)
Only if Abel was 10-15 years older, he could've been in the same rotation with Cain!
Roger, couldn't Soderstrom be converted to 1B?
Of course, though that's not the preferred approach. You'd rather he offer some defensive value so there's less pressure on the bat developing to its Nth degree potential.
I have a thread up on Twitter on Soderstrom (https://twitter.com/GaseyMcCehee/status/1262230174801657856?s=19) but here's my take on him:
In the couple of games I watched of Soderstrom at C in Team USA Baseball U-18, his pitch framing seemed fine. His arm, while strong, isn't very accurate. I'd compare his low 3/4 throwing motion to Pablo Sandoval's (I'll get back to him later.) Otherwise, I didn't see much of a difference in his catching from Drew Romo's, who's arguably the best defensive prep C in this draft. I admit I have more video to watch, so my judgment of his catching ability may change.
Here's where I make another Pablo Sandoval comparison. Both of their swings from the left side are whiplike and fun to watch, producing easy doubles-power. I'd even project Soderstrom at his peak to mirror 2009 or 2011 Sandoval. Did I mention they both started as catchers in their youth? Am I saying he'll be as successful as Pablo? No, but I'd take a chance at him with the Giants' pick.
Wow, that 2012 Greenjackets team was, uh, unimpressive on offense.
I legitimately don't remember half of these guys existing.
Well, of all the guys listed here, I guess I'm hoping for Soderstrom or Abel in the first round. (The universe does owe us a useful Soderstrom, right?). But I suspect some team before us will succumb to the potential of Abel, and if he's not there then I guess Soderstrom is my hope. Hey - maybe he'll be my long-hoped-for heir to Matt Williams at 3B. I mean, they have to get serious about the hot corner at some point, right?
I do suspect that's where Luciano ends up, which would probably fill your need Lyle! (Funny I was just looking through some old minor league lines and happened upon Jack Clark's great 18 year old season in Fresno where he played their hot corner. It's a crying shame they didn't keep him there, eh?)