Monday, March 21, 2011
Posted: 2:01 p.m.
By Jim SalisburyCSNPhilly.com
CLEARWATER, Fla.The final nine days of Phillies spring training will have some drama, an interesting storyline to watch as the calendar counts down to opening day.
The Phils are bringing in veteran second baseman Luis Castillo for what essentially amounts to a nine-game tryout to win a spot on the opening day roster.
Hes not going to the minor leagues, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. Hell either make our club or be released.
Released by the Mets last week, Castillo, 35, has signed a minor-league contract with the Phils and is expected to be in the lineup at second base for Tuesdays game against the Blue Jays in Dunedin.
Castillos signing is a result of the Phillies losing all-star second baseman Chase Utley indefinitely because of chronic patellar tendinitis. Utleys injury has pushed super-utility man Wilson Valdez to the top of the depth chart at second base. The club has spent the spring looking at four other players at the positionDelwyn Young, Pete Orr, Michael Martinez and Josh Barfield. Castillo is now in the mix to win a job.
Hes kind of in the same boat as the other guys who are in our camp as non-roster invitees, just a bigger name, Amaro said. He stays here if we feel hes a guy who can make our club.
Hes a veteran guy who has had some success. Hes probably not the same player he was several years ago. But he can do some things on the bases. He takes pitches, he can extend the inning offensively, and hes always been a good defender. There are some questions about his range and how hes moving. Were going to give ourselves a chance to find out.
MLB
Castillo has won three Gold Gloves at second base, but the last one came in 2005. The last of Castillos three all-star berths also came in 2005.
If Castillo proves he can be the Phils primary second baseman, Valdez will move back into his intended super-utility role. He can play second, third and shortstop, as well as all three outfield positions. Castillo has never played anywhere other than second base in a 15-year big-league career so its unlikely that hed be a candidate for a utility role.
Were going to see if he can play second base, assess it and see if he can help us, Amaro said. If he can help usgreat. If not, well probably go with what weve got in camp.
Texas Michael Young remains the most attractive infielder on the trade market, and the Phillies like him. But with a payroll of 160 million, the Phils would have a difficult time swallowing the remaining three years and 48 million on his contract. Amaro is on record as saying he has no money left in his budget. Interestingly, the Rangers have scouted games at the Phillies minor-league complex in recent days.
The Mets are paying Castillos 6 million salary. The Phils would be responsible for just 414,000, the big-league minimum, if he makes the club.
The guys we have in camp have all played well, Amaro said. Anytime we can bring in a low-risk guy with a track record, it gives us some depth and a chance to make a decision.
The Mets made the decision to release Castillo after he hit .286 (8 for 28) with no extra-bases hits in 11 games. Reports say Castillos defense was shaky and that he showed a drop in range.
Our recent reports on him are OK, Amaro said. There are questions about his range. Were going to find out. Thats why we want to get him in camp and get our guys eyes on him.
Castillo, a switch-hitter, batted just .235 with no homers and 17 RBIs in 86 games for the Mets in 2010. He missed time with a foot injury. A career .290 hitter with a lifetime on-base percentage of .368, Castillo hit .302 with a .387 on-base percentage and 20 steals in 142 games in 2009.
Castillo suffered a falling out with New York fans when he dropped a popup to lose a game against the Yankees in 2009. Mets manager Terry Collins spoke to Castillo about what was perceived as sullen behavior and moping this spring.
Amaro was asked about Castillos attitude.
All of our indications from people weve talked to is hes a good guy, Amaro said. Well find out more about him when he gets here. Thats one reason were bringing him in, to get to know him.
In many ways, Castillo sounds like a guy who could benefit from a fresh start. But he has to have some game left to get it with the Phillies.
Well see what hes got, manager Charlie Manuel said.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
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