Phillies Add Castro to Their Utility
By DAN STAMM
Updated 11:15 AM EST, Wed, Nov 25, 2009
The Phillies signed veteran utility man Juan Castro Tuesday.
The Phils inked the 37-year-old bench player to a one-year deal worth less than $1 million, according to MLB.com.
The Mexican utility man spent last season on a second tour of duty with the L.A. Dodgers where he batted .277 with one homer and nine RBI in 57 games. During his career Castro has also played for the Orioles, Reds and Twins.
Castro brings glove versatility and experience to the team. He can play second, short, third and the corner outfield spots posting a career fielding percentage of .977.
He should be able to come in late in games as a defensive replacement but also add a veteran bat to the bench who can spell Chase Utley or Jimmy Rollins every once in a while.
"[The Phillies] probably need a guy who can play shortstop if Rollins needs a day off or he gets thrown out of a game or he needs a break at the end of a game," Castro’s agent Oscar Suarez said to MLB.com. "It makes a lot of sense. When you're a veteran player, you want to win… The last two years with the Phillies speak for itself."
He basically replaces Eric Bruntlett. But, to let the 31-year-old Bruntlett leave for a comparable player who is six years older and slower doesn’t seem sensible.
The big stat for Castro was that he batted .277 last season compared to Brunts lowly .171 but he still batted worse in his career .230 than Brunts’ .231. And, it’s not like Castro has some major pop – he only knock 36 homers in his career.
Castro is not only a worse hitter than Brunts but he hasn’t swiped a bag in three seasons. Bruntlett stole 11 bags in two seasons in Philly -- that’s six more than Castro stole in his entire 15-year career -- the Phillies lose that speed by settling on Castro.
First Published: Nov 25, 2009 10:59 AM EST
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