After being released by the New York Mets this past Friday, second baseman Luis Castillo is set to hit the open market today.
With Chase Utley’s timetable for return up in the air, the Phillies could see the addition of Castillo as a necessary move in order to alleviate the loss of their five-time All-Star second baseman.
But would Castillo really benefit the Phillies? Should Wilson Valdez remain the projected Opening Day starter with players such as Josh Barfied and Pete Orr competing for a backup role?
In my opinion, signing Castillo would be a nice move considering that the Phils would only need to pay the league minimum ($414,000) for his services.
He is 35-years old, but Philadelphia doesn’t need him for the future; they just need him for this season.
A career .290 hitter, Castillo is just one season removed from a .302 average and one of his highest RBI totals of 40. Compared to Utley, well, there is no comparison between the two because Utley swings a much better bat, averaging around 100 RBI’s and 25 home runs per season.
But the Phillies realize they can’t replace Utley in their lineup; they can only lessen the blow of his absence.
However, Castillo is a liablility in the field, and according to a scout this offseason, Castillo “has not looked like a suitable option — especially defensively.”
Don’t forget, Castillo was the one who infamously misplayed a high pop and dropped the ball, allowing two New York Yankee runners to score and win the game.
Knowing of his misfortunes in the field, the Phillies could sit back and let the likes of Barfield, Orr and Michael Martinez fight it out for the second base gig along with Wilson Valdez.
Valdez did an excellent job in the minds of many last season filling in for injuries among the infielders, and I wouldn’t be opposed to letting him start the season in place of Utley.
But as I mentioned above, I would support the signing of Castillo because he is a veteran player who would come at a cheap price, and playing in front of the sell out crowds at Citizens Bank Park could supply the fuel he needs to finish out his career on a high note.
What do you think about this rumor? Sign Castillo or give the younger, less experienced players an opportunity?
Personally I’d rather see Valdez start and Orr and Martinez fight for a spot with Castillo’s decreased speed, character concerns, decreased batting average, and spotty defense.
But if they did sign him to the minimum I certainly wouldn’t object, especially if it was non-guaranteed
Phillies will sign him tomorrow per ESPN
The Phils are hurting and getting old and especially in the Infield ..
Rollins & Polanco will need a least a game or a day off per week
Signing Castillo allows Valdez to fill in at SS,3B also ..
Phils finish in 2nd place in NL East behind the Braves in 2011
MLBTR.com is reporting the Phils are close to signing him, as well.
It’s probably not a bad move for Utley is probably a non-contributer for the 2011 Season and Valdez will play 2-3 games a week filling in for 2B,SS & 3B but one thing bringing Castillo on board is that he’s a real #2 Hitter in the Line-up and will allow the Phils to most likely slide Polanco to the #3 spot ..
like i said last time, he has and 30 to 40 point up and down swing EVERY OTHER YEAR in avg. this season would be his up tick, and its his chance to get back at ny, and He wants to go out on top, all these things spell great season for this mocked lad, he is busting his ass as we speak yawl, and were back on track, trust it, go phils
oh and hamels will be the MVP again 2011, he just working out a fourth pitch.
honestly, were gonna need to bring in someone in the mid season to fix this line up, there will be a dud to bench, guess who that will be, ….
Everytime I read a comment from Paulman he is ripping the Phillies. Your calling Utley a NON-CONTRIBUTER and it is March bro. The Phillies do not think Polonco is a 3 hole htitter and do not want him to hit there. I think I will find a new blog if I see your predicition of the Phillies finishing second in the NL East one more time. WE KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE STANDINGS. Bring something to the table.
How about this StopGap,
WIth no Utley in the line-up, who bats 3rd for this team..
Polanco is a better answer at the 3 Hole than Ibanez,Mayberry,Francisco,Ruiz .. don’t you think..
Maybe a Gload can bat 3rd when he’s in there or even R Howard can be moved up to the 3rd spot..
A batting line-up that was once feared just 2 years ago has become very
average and pretty non-threatening if you think about it. Who else besides Howard scares anyone.. I would simply pitch around him most at bats and not even give him the opportunity to beat me and I am sure most NL Managers are thinking the same thing..
The giants lineup is steller paulman. go comment on their blogs. Ibanez is the best option. Not polonco. you need pop and avg out of the 3 hole. Polonco has no pop, therefore he is not a good option. Im not saying anything u say is wrong or whatever, just tire of seeing you rip the phils on every post. I think they will be fine one way or another because they have the best rotation in baseball.
Stopgoard
Do you think the Phils Pitching Staff from Top to Bottom is better that than the GIants,Braves & Red & Dodgers..
PaulWoman
I think they are as good as anyone. Reds, Braves, and Giants are overrated. Dodgers stink bro.