Updated: Phillies' interest in Castillo "remains to be seen"
Update: 1:28 p.m.
Updated: Phillies' interest in Castillo "remains to be seen"
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Update: 1:28 p.m.
The Phillies haven't ruled out signing newly-released second baseman Luis Castillo. At least that was the impression given by assistant general manager Scott Proefrock today.
When asked of the Phillies' interest in the three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glover, Profefrock said, "That remains to be seen."
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Chase Utley returned to Clearwater today after visiting a rehab specialist and participated in batting practice. But he still doesn't appear to be close to shaking off the patellar tendinitis, bone inflammation and chondromalacia that has kept him out of action the entire spring.
Which brings us to this bit of news. . .
The Mets have released 35-year-old second baseman Luis Castillo, a three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner who was a key member of the Marlins' 2003 World Series team, according to multiple reports out of New York.
The 35-year-old Castillo struggled last season, hitting .235 with a .337 on base percentage, .267 slugging percentage. But he was plagued with foot injuries last season that limited him to just 86 games.
Our Paul Hagen caught up with an NL scout who has watched Castillo and the Mets this spring and his analysis was blunt:
"He's done," the scout said. "I don't think he can play anymore."
Still, Castillo has been a high on base percentage guy throughout this career and since turning 30 has converted 89 of 117 stolen base attempts (76 percent).
And he is just one year removed from a season in which he hit .302 with a .387 on base percentage and converted 20 of 26 stolen base attempts while playing in 142 games.
From 1999-2009 Castillo hit .298 with a .375 on base percentage and .362 slugging percentage and averaged 36 steals and 99 runs scored every 162 games.
This spring, Castillo is 8-for-28 with three walks (a .286 batting average and .355 on base percentage).
Castillo is owed $6 million this season, the final year of his contract, but assuming he has already passed through waivers, any team that signs him will only be responsible for $400,000 of it.
That's what we know right now.
** Embedded below is a video of Kenny Chesney, who visited with Charlie Manuel and the Phillies.
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$400K and what do we have to lose? Better take him as we can always find a space for him and release him when Utley is better. He can feel rejuvenated in a team of winners.— Aces high- I'd rather see Barfield get a shot.— Iron Giant
- The team has Barfield, Orr or Martinez , all better options than this MET's reject.— Koons
- Not a chance. The guy is cooked. The Mets could not wait to cut him. No energy. May have "Met's Malaise". Could be contagious.— johnny eagle
- No Mets pollution— shawnmac
- Read yesterday on ESPN that the Mets couldn't wait to get rid of him. They wanted him gone even though they don't have a better option to play 2nd base. What does this say about this guy, they still have to pay him.— sunking11
- Nothing to lose for a looksie at $400K. Worse case scenario you cut him after a couple weeks if it doesn't work. I don't see many other candidates in the system to back up 2B.— DennyP
- NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Horrible clubhouse guy and me first person. Exactly what doesn't float with this team and makes them respected by the fans.— rvb2321
- Noooooooooooooooooooooo!!— TerryW
- Seems like a bad move to me. I'm with tralala: If we're going to go old and temporary, sign Eckstein. I'd probably just go with what we have though.— s
- After....(ahem).....CAREFUL consideration due this, uhhhh supremely, er..uh important (yeah, THAT'S it...important!)if not STAGGERINGLY HUGE snippit of information, I have come to the conclusion that: We should be patient and wait for him to finish his new career with our brothers, the Philadelphia Eagles!!! After all, there will be MANY seasons that we can cheer him on as our starting Second Baseman when he's done being an Eagle Cornerback. And US???, Why WE will be there to cheer him on for every damn game he plays for us! YUP....every damn game.— TBear
- I'll play 2nd base this year.— jayflyte
- The Mets released Luis Castillo. The Mets, whose only other options at second base are Luis Hernandez, Daniel Murphy, Brad Emaus and Justin Turner. Seriously, what else do you need to know about him at this stage of his career?— PhightinPhil
- Some times, a move to a contending team can add a little youthfulness...I'd kick the tires on this one. Put him in the 2 hole and work on OBP...— Grazman
- I don't know what to make of this. Depends on extent of Utleys injury, but it seems like if you expect Utley Out for half season or more, you need more than Castillo can offer, even for 400k. If they think he's only gone a month or two, it might make sense, but would Castillo accept the role, and is he any more of an upgrade offensively than Barfield or Young or Martinez or Orr? Defensively, valdez is far superior. Not sure it makes any sense at all...— joecatz
