Phils, Juan Castro agree to deal , pending physical
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Phils, Juan Castro agree to deal , pending physical
Andy Martino
The Phillies and veteran utilityman Juan Castro have agreed in principle on a contract, and will likely finalize the agreement with a physical next week, Castro’s agent told the Inquirer today. Additionally, there were strong indications in baseball that a one-year deal could be announced next week, pending the results of the physical.
According to agent Oscar Suarez, Castro is out of the country, which is why he will not likely take the physical until next week.
"We have been in discussions with his agent," said general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. "That's all I can tell you right now."
Castro, 37, is a .230 hitter, with a .270 on-base percentage, in 15 major league seasons. In 57 games with the Dodgers last year, he batted .277, while playing shortstop, second base, third base and left field.
He fits the profile of what the Phils are seeking at the utility position: a versatile defender who can provide a modest offensive upgrade over Bruntlett, and can fill in for shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
Manager Charlie Manuel is notoriously reluctant to utilize his bench players extensively, and has said publicly that he wants a utility player capable can of starting in place of Rollins and Chase Utley. Bruntlett, who batted .171 in 72 games last season, clearly never gained Manuel’s trust.
Rollins and Utley will both be 31 next season, and would benefit from regular time off. Rollins played in 155 games last season; Utley 156. The second baseman in particular endured a rough September, batting just .204. He later admitted to suffering mental and physical fatigue late in the season.
Comments (102)
What I see on here proves that many Phillies fans are morons. Focusing on one part-time player who had a down year on the NL Champs team. I hope your moms put space-heaters in her basement for you.— Phillyexp- Castro is probably the best guy out there right now. He had some good years with the Reds and was always a slick fielder. Speaking of the Reds, someone should take a look at Adam Rosales. He showed a good right-handed bat in the minors and can play third. Also, look at Ian Desmond of the Nationals, currently a shortstop, as a future (2011) third baseman.— JayW
- Wow, we really have set our sights low. I batted .700 at slow-pitch softball this season and I'm only 35. Think I should go for a tryout?— Aloofbob
- Castro, we're talking Castro, come on it's Castro, your kidding right........— PhillyPhilly
- A .270 on-base percentage? This guy's got to be one of a handful of utility men who will come to camp.— frankenslade
- Stop ripping Bruntlett! Who you bring in in a clutch unassisted-triple-play situation?— Downie27
- This is absurd. Are they getting this guy for 400,000 bucks? At 37? I am 70 and might hit just below the Mendoza line too. Surely there must be better choices out there. This is a real disgrace. C'mon. The Phils may be cheap but surely a rook could do as well as this retread.— KGKoons
- BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!— bjlindy
- Get me to the plate boys.— TheDude
- Stevis- did you even watch Ibanez play this year and see how much his numbers improved over his career average?— bobf876
- what's with all of the complaining? He's a utility player. 25 year old guys who bat .300 are not signed as utility players.— Gary Varsho
- Big news about Castro!!!!!!!!!! The other news is that Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt is still retired.
- Stevis,Beavis, whatever doesn't make a difference in the world. My comparison was how Ibañez had an explosive year w/ the Phils'. Obviously this guy had a pretty good season batting .277. OBVIOUSLY, the career #'s matter, but he is just a low salary bench guy, WTF not? But do not, get condescending or smart with me Bevis. Any dip ish could pick up on that sarcasm.— Will.i.Am
- wow, i hope this is our worst offseason transaction.— ematusko
- The Phillies are not going to land a 37 year old lazy Latino are they? Does Omar know about this? I hope so because the Muts can overpay him! This make no sense to get older and gain nothing.— jpelle36
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The Phillies Zone is the place for up-to-the-minute Phillies coverage from the Inquirer.
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