Phillies and Castro agree to deal
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Phillies and Castro agree to deal
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
He doesn't have a beard. But the Phillies apparently think Juan Castro can replace Eric Bruntlett in other regards. A source familiar with talks between the club and the veteran infielder said the two sides have agreed in principle on a one-year major league deal with a club option, pending a physical that likely will not occur until Castro returns from vacation next week.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. could not immediately be reached for comment.
Castro hit .277 with a .311 on base percentage in just 112 at-bats for the Dodgers last season. The Phillies were looking for a player willing to accept minimal playing time but also capable of filling in at short stop on an extended basis. On paper, Castro fits both criteria. He started 29 games last season, hitting .266 with a .300 on base percentage in those games. He also went 6-for-18 as a sub, including 3-for-5 with one strikeout as a pinch hitter.
But Castro's ability to play short stop is his biggest attribute. For an idea of how slim the pickings are in that department, consider Omar Vizquel, another veteran short stop who was a free agent. Over his last two seasons, Vizquel's numbers aren't a whole lot different than Castro's. Castro hit .227 with a .569 OPS in 298 plate appearances for the Reds, Orioles and Dodgers. Vizquel hit .239 with a .594 OPS in 595 plate appearances for the Giants and Rangers. Vizquel recently signed a one year deal with the White Sox for a reported $1.375 million, which is nearly double the $700,000 that Castro earned with the Dodgers last season.
Last year, manager Charlie Manuel said he would love to have a bench player who might fill in for Chase Utley without presenting much of an offensive drop off. Castro would not seem to be that player, but I don't think the Phillies are looking at him as such.
Keep in mind that two candidates to replace Pedro Feliz at third base are Placido Polanco and Mark DeRosa, both of whom have played extensively at second base. And while the Phillies do not view Greg Dobbs as an everyday third baseman, they do contend - at least publicly - that they are comfortable starting him there occasionally. Last year, Dobbs hit .309 with a .829 OPS in the 28 games in which he started.
'....pending a physical that likely will not occur until Castro returns from vacation next week.'----will he be able to get out of Cuba?— Romus- Uhm, Ruben & Co. get benefit of the doubt b/c of the nice run here past couple years but WTF?!#@ Our squad is turning into a retirement community. Unless they are planning something big ticket (trade or FA), and saving acorns, they're gonna have to do better than the scrap pile antics this represents.— DennyP
- Never heard of em.....
- He's a good utility player. I like the move.— Phillyphan26
- He stinks. I've actually seen him play. I'd rather have Bruntlett.— UncleEddie
- Ok. It's a start. But he can't play multiple positions, either.— 76er
- I'd take the unknown over Bruntlett. Anything is an upgrade.— smfree31
Ho Hum— EJAY- Los Phillies?— Relocator
- They will sign a couple more utility guys as well as look at some of the young kids in the system during spring training. Just because they sign him does not mean that he will be on the roster. He will have to prove himself like Dobbs had to do a few years back. I don't mind the signing at all.— sima_down_nah
- Castro = World Series return. As long as everyone else stays healthy =).— Bex
- NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Placido Polanco. He is a Type A player. You might as well kept Pedro. Defense! Pedro had over 80 RBI for a seventh in the order player! Either you go for a much better hitter or resign Pedro.
- Not a difference maker in any meaningful way.— Mark1npt
- I like this inexpensive move if it means we're going to sign Figgins.— bjlindy
- Auto ads? Nice job running people away from your site.— phillyjeffsr
