Phillies bring in Castillo on minor league deal
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Phillies bring in Castillo on minor league deal
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
In the end, it was pretty much a no-brainer.
According to league sources, Phillies have agreed to a contract with Luis Castillo, the three-time Gold Glove and three-time All-Star second baseman who was released by the Mets on Saturday.
CSNPhilly.com reported the contract is a minor league deal, which will give the Phillies the ability to evaluate Castillo in person without guaranteeing him significant money for the entire season.
ESPN.com's New York web site first reported the deal last night. Castillo, who spent the first month of spring training in Mets camp in Port St. Lucie, is expected to report to Clearwater within the next day or two.
If Castillo makes the major league roster, the Phillies will owe him $414,000, with the rest of the $6 million he is due this season paid by his former club.
The move gives the Phillies another option to replace injured second baseman Chase Utley, without a significant financial risk.
Exact terms of the minor league contract are unknown at this point in time.
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If he can't play second, how about defensive coordinator?— dasher- This was a good signing. He'll do OK.— bossrjc
- MRD - I think you're confused. It's the Mets that are no good for baseball.— s
- I don't understand how people think this is a bad move. There is no risk associated. If he is done, you cut him and it costs you virtually nothing. People have an inflated value of Wilson Valdez. Castillo's worst offensive season is better than Valdez's best season. Furthermore, it provides organizational depth, so perhaps Brian Bocock won't be needed this year.— Armyofthe15Monkies
- Relax everyone. They're just going to take a look at the guy for a week or so and then release him before the team heads North, when they realize that he's finished.
— SteveS11 - they are sending the right message: doesn't matter who you are, you earn your job. I think the minor league deal basically tells Valdez it's his job to lose. It's actually a very smart move by the Phillies. If Castillo could play like he did in '09 it will be great for the Phillies; if not, nothing lost. Personally I would like to see this guy set the world on fire...why not, he's our player now. But if he doesn't, who cares. Good move again Ruben Amaro. Way to put yourself in a win/win situation.— ESFjellin
- Where's Solly Hemus when we need him?— stoky
- they are sending the right message: doesn't matter who you are, you earn your job. I think the minor league deal basically tells Valdez it's his job to lose. It's actually a very smart move by the Phillies. If Castillo could play like he did in '09 it will be great for the Phillies; if not, nothing lost. Personally I would like to see this guy set the world on fire...why not, he's our player now. But if he doesn't, who cares. Good move again Ruben Amaro. Way to put yourself in a win/win situation.— ESFjellin
- Castillo has never had 50 RBIs in a season
and has 28 home runs Total in his Career -
I think Valdez or the other infielders the Phillies have in camp now
could do just as good of a job as Castillo filling in for Utley.-
The Phillies need an RBI guy to make up for Werth and Utley's production.— phillydude 
Comment removed.- My only thought is that if he was willing to sign a minor league deal, why not take him up on it. I don't see a downside, at least at this point.— Joe Light
- S--- I think its your team that has all the injuries. Good luck with a Loser from the mets! See you in last place by mid season!— MRD
- Lighten up people. ANYONE would be a malcontent playing for the NY Mutts. All he needs to do here is perform better than Valdez would if pressed into a fulltime role. We lucked out with Valdez last year (he wasn't a career journeyman backup for nothing!) Cholly will schmooze him, and if that doesn't work, then the players can "convince" him how baseball is to be played in Philly.— jman
- What's the crying for? Unless you're a die-hard IronPigs fan.— ejc527
- What's the crying for? Unless you're a die-hard IronPigs fan.— ejc527
