December 10, 2003

Luis Soto

Three days after his 18th birthday, shortstop Luis Soto signed with the Boston Red Sox, receiving a $500,000 bonus.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Dominican showcased his raw tools earlier this year at the World Wood Bat Association Fall Championship in Jupiter, Fla. Soto was one of three Latin players who played for Team Baseball America in the event, and showed the most upside of the trio.

"Luis brings a special blend of talent and instincts every time he steps on the field," director of international scouting Louie Eljaua said. "He has an advanced hitting approach at the plate for someone his age, and he is very athletic with above-average arm strength."

Rangy and quick, Soto showed good actions at shortstop in Jupiter, an above-average arm and good footwork around the bag turning double plays. Like many inexperienced teenagers, Soto too often was flashy while making the routine play and at times made poor decisions in the field.

Soto, a switch-hitter, has a fluid stroke at the plate and quick hands. Though raw, he has an idea of how to handle breaking balls and will pull inside pitches and slap pitches off the plate to the opposite field, especially when batting lefthanded. He has better than average speed.

--ALAN MATTHEWS