Say Hello to your new SF Giants 3B
by oldrips on Mar 22, 2008 2:29 PM PDT
51 comments
Giants claimed Jose Castillo off waivers from the Marlins, Rotoworld is reporting. The Marlins are not going to pull him back. Looks like we have a new 3B.....a guy who couldn't win the job in FLorida over Jore Cantu.
Ugghhh!
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Actually,
As soon as Eugenio tripled in that excellent "prove yourself" at-bat earlier, I thought the exact same thing, "Say Hello to your new SF Giants 3B".
¿Julio is tourist in San Francisco?
by hairball on Mar 22, 2008 2:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm disappointed ...
i thought you were going to tell me Bill Madlock was coming out of retirement.
by StickRat on Mar 22, 2008 2:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Castillo
I really wanted them to get a third baseman, and I wanted them to get one without giving up anybody. This leads to the obvious question of why am I not happy that we got Jose Castillo?? I wanted someone I would prefer to Eugenio Velez, not someone I would like less.
Randy Messenger: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!!"
by rxmeister on Mar 22, 2008 3:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sabean hasn't really grasped the whole "play young players" idea. The goal is to give roster spots to guys who, you know, have some kind of potential. Like Velez, Frandsen, etc. Get them at-bats. Not a guy who we pay a million bucks for to put up a .650 OPS. There's not even a reason to give Castillo the job over a guy like Leone.
by MidKnight on Mar 22, 2008 3:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Castill will be in his age 27 season in 2008
Velez, 26; Frandsen 26.
Velez really does not have anymore potential than Castillo. His track record, including the minors, is as unimpressive as Castillo's. Poor prospects like Velez need to fight for their at bats, with other poor players, like Castillo.
ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524
by rfloh on Mar 22, 2008 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only 27
The problem with Jose Castillo isn't that he is too old -- it's that he isn't good enough.
The good thing though is that he should fit right in with most of the other Giants position players.
And this does represent an improvement above most Brian Sabean acquisitions. Usually they are overpaid, too old and too untalented.
In Castillo, I think primarily only the last applies.
by sharksrog on Mar 22, 2008 3:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
meh
It's not like he's the starting 3rd baseman now. He's probably just going to get sent down to AAA to see if he can not suck. There's a chance he might not, as he is still 27. It's a lot like us picking up Yabu, just he's a 3rd baseman not a pitcher.
by boonitez on Mar 22, 2008 3:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This guy makes Feliz look like David Wright.
Matt Cain, cleanup hitter or starting pitcher?
by cain1rstballothof on Mar 22, 2008 3:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
nah
lifetime ops+
Feliz: 84
Castillo: 75
I sure wish that Ort Cloud would form a solid sphere to enter into this team's orbit.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Mar 23, 2008 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The more I see Velez play the more I want him to start. The kid can fly, hits well from both sides of the plate, and has some gap-to-gap power. Eugenio for 3B! Ole ole ole!
Giants Cove: You'll be a better person for reading
by Chulk on Mar 22, 2008 4:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Velez
I pull for any major leaguer I actually outweigh.
Proud member of the Adopt-a-Giant program (Aaron Rowand)
by antinous on Mar 22, 2008 4:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
truthfully I have always liked Castillo, although he's obviously not a solution for anything. He has a fantastic arm (at least for a 2B) and has a good skill set. If we didn't have two-three 2B options already, I'd like this move a lot. Seeing as we already have a few options, I don't see the point. I assume they are planning to play him at SS instead, which could make some sense
Frandsen for 3B (til July 08)
by NeifiChicken on Mar 22, 2008 4:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Jose will fit right in on ‘08 Giants - The team of misfit scrubs.
Hey he is cheap and under 33. So when he starts to suck much worse then the rest management might actually do something about it. And that’s our Giants replay. Turn in tomorrow for more aggravation and get a free gift certificate for more absurdity.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain.
by daveinexile on Mar 22, 2008 4:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Castillo
If you guys are right that he's just being brought in here to compete, I have no problem with the acquisition. The problem comes if Sabean says later that we have our starting third baseman. I'm not sure he's even an upgrade over Rich Aurilia.
Randy Messenger: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!!"
by rxmeister on Mar 22, 2008 4:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yup he is just filler unless he does something unrealistically fantastic.
If all the old INF vets are healthy for more then a couple days I would be surprised if he is still around. This is the guy Jack Wilson called out for his work ethic. Not that Wilson is a paragon of a ball player but Castillo does have something to prove.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain.
by daveinexile on Mar 22, 2008 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Castillo/Aurilia
He's a downgrade from Aurilia, not that Aurilia is great but he's likely to perform a lot better than Castillo.
An example of how bad Castillo is, last year Aurilia was terrible, everyone can agree with that, and if he performs like that again, everyone will call for him to be cut. Yet, Castillo's career OPS is almost identical to Aurilia's last season, so we've signed a player who is on average a player equal in quality to Aurilia's last season, and this player is going to be taking at bats away from other more worthy candidates.
Proud owner of the most boring Username!
by GiantFan on Mar 23, 2008 6:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, the only reason this move would make any sense would be if Castillo could serve as a legitimate SS (as a backup this year, and then..?). I looked at the BTF zips (he's actually listed as a Pirate?) page, and Szymborski actually has him listed as a poor middle infielder at both positions, and as an average 3b. Yech.
by BigO on Mar 22, 2008 4:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Durham the subject of trade talk?
Plenty remains unresolved with the Giants infield, which has been ravaged by injuries and inconsistency this spring.
Ray Durham is expected to start at second base, but he was scratched for the second consecutive day because of a strained hamstring and has been the subject of trade talk. Kevin Frandsen is out with a strained Achilles' tendon and is likely to start the season on the disabled list.
http://www.mercurynews.com/giantsheadlines/ci_8663215?nclick_check=1
by wilriv21 on Mar 22, 2008 4:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
he must do the little things right
like hit the runner over, strike out, and not hit for power.
Seriously. If this guy doesn't play a decent shortstop (he hasn't played there more than 8 games since 2003), then he is a waste of a roster spot. His line is .256/.297/.380 in 1500 at-bats. We know what we're getting from this kid, and it's crap.
STUPIDSTUPIDSTUPIDSTUPIDSTUPID
We already have 5 crappy choices at 3B. We didn't need a sixth.
Bengie Molina: stretching doubles into singles since 1998.
by jasomack on Mar 22, 2008 5:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is the same GM who finds it necessary for us to field a team with 5 CF's too. Why should the concept of 5 guys playing 3rd be that much of a surprise?
Adoptive papa to Omar...so basically I'm screwed.
by PacBellBoozer on Mar 22, 2008 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean, this is our 4th secondbaseman. 2B and CF are the only positions Sabean recognizes, apparently.
Your 2011 SF Giants: the 2008 Augusta Greenjackets!
by Lyle on Mar 23, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marcus Giles
Marcus Giles looks like he may be released, perhaps we'll decide to make it 5!
Proud owner of the most boring Username!
by GiantFan on Mar 24, 2008 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
* GROANS*
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain.
by daveinexile on Mar 24, 2008 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Castillo = Trade
Folks, Castillo is here because the Giants are about to make a trade.
by Buck Henry on Mar 22, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Whhooa - I admire the size of your swaggering optimism!!
After waiting for 2+ years to thinking, ‘A position player trade has to happen soon!" I have settled into a less hart braking stance of " If a trade happens I will be surprised." I hope your right and its not some Frandsen & Velez for Crede crap-o-line special.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain.
by daveinexile on Mar 22, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trade, upgrade the infield and bench and provide insurance from injuries. Andrew Baggarly from The Merc says Ray Durham has been the subject of trade talk.
by wilriv21 on Mar 22, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
are they going to trade castillo for something useful?
i dont understand. maybe i'm blinded by anger and hatred. maybe i just got off a flight and went into my room and told my roommate "well, i guess i'll see what stupid moves the giants made today" and the headline on MLBTR was "Giants pick up Pirates/Marlins trash" and I screamed. Then I cried. I cried, Buck, I cried.
Bengie Molina: stretching doubles into singles since 1998.
by jasomack on Mar 22, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well Durham has been sitting out. Frandsen is possibly opening the season in the DL with Omar. Its not like the Giants can’t use a warm body to staff the INF for a couple weeks now. If the Giants have managed to trade any of the veteran INF’s the need for a warm body that does not matter how much, or how little, they play increases.
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain.
by daveinexile on Mar 22, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think you can trade someone you just signed.
SAVE_US.RAY
by Natto on Mar 22, 2008 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, he didn't cost anything...
He won't hurt things much. Just more competition for a roster spot, but that's all. But the team isn't any worse off getting him.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Mar 22, 2008 5:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Here Is A Parallel To Consider.
Compare Pedro Feliz's age 23 to age 26 seasons with Jose Castillo's. Castillo made the majors two years sooner and showed more major league power sooner as well. Both showed very good defensive tools and had the same "hacker" approach at the plate. I see no reason not to think we will get at least Pedro Feliz of 2002 thru 2007 all over again from Jose Castillo over the next five years. I see good reason to think we will even get more.
by giantsrainman on Mar 22, 2008 6:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
YOU'RE JOKING.....RIGHT?
Why isn't Sabean held accountable for leading the Giants into many years of mediocrity???
by oldrips on Mar 22, 2008 6:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
why is every move the end of the world?
The Giants have yet to announce their starting lineup. Trade chatter is picking up and yet this is the worst move ever for some reason? We havent traded for Crede, we havent given up our pitching, we havent traded for Inge, i mean why all the drama? we all expect a down year so the kids can play yet get all upset that they arent winning? Wait. Then let the freaking out begin. Baseball is apon us. Cain dominated after a great game yesterday by Zito. Velez looks like a stud. I just wish we could garner some excitement. Its baseball season again. Its gonna be a long year. Enjoy it.
by S49erfan on Mar 22, 2008 7:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it's become an automatic reaction at this point
If the move's not perceived as good it becomes "This sucks! Sabean is stupid! Gah! spluk! "
And it's understandable. We haven't had a good move in such a long time and we've had so many bad ones that crappy is what we expect.
So, yes, this move doesn't really hurt anything at all. But it's yet another move that doesn't help the franchise and we are starving for one of those.
Only 972 games until the end of Zito's contract.
by thehavenot on Mar 22, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, but realistically, what kind of move could the Giants possibly do without trading Cain/Lincecum or any of the young starting pitching for that matter? I agree that this move doesn't help or hurt and plus he's only costing 650K, so it's not like we wasted a ton on him. I just don't see why everyone is so pissy pissy about this move
by Gamer101 on Mar 22, 2008 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say Sweeney for Denker was a good move...just not an immediately impactful one.
That's been the general problem with many of the recent good moves (see also the Tucker-Pichardo trade).
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Mar 23, 2008 1:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair Enough
i agree. It's just not one you take notice of very easily. Which is a contribution to the doom and gloom attitude too.
Only 972 games until the end of Zito's contract.
by thehavenot on Mar 23, 2008 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it's not Crede or Inge, so it's not completely disatrous...
Democracy is lovely but baseball is more mature. BVCE supports Manny Burriss and SF Dugout.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Mar 22, 2008 9:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Dissapointing
I really don't see any point to this acquisition, unless it's purely to have him as a back up in Fresno or play SS for a week instead of Bocock. We already have three players competing for one spot (Frandsen, Ortmeier & Velez) so what's the point in obtaining a fourth who is worse than them & has less upside.
Frandsen, Ortmeier & Velez may not turn out to be very good, but at least they have a chance to be useful, unlike Castillo who has proven in 1500 at-bats that he's terrible. Any at bat he takes away from them is a wasted at-bat. I mean, seriously, could we not get a OPS of 677 out the many candidates we already have.
Proud owner of the most boring Username!
by GiantFan on Mar 23, 2008 6:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
bocock
will be lucky to put up a .677.
I sure wish that Ort Cloud would form a solid sphere to enter into this team's orbit.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Mar 23, 2008 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bocock
True, Bocock will probably hit worse & if he's purely a stopgap for a week at SS instead of Bocock then that's fine. The problem comes when he plays 3B or 2B, where we have 5 players (Durham, Aurilia, Frandsen, Velez, Leone) who will probably all hit better than that (ZIPS, for example, predicts better numbers for all five).
So really what's the point in us playing a guy who is worse than 7 of the 8 candidates we have for infield spots (Harper & Ortmeier are also predicted for better numbers, only Vizquel(or Bocock) isn't, but at least they have good glove)
Proud owner of the most boring Username!
by GiantFan on Mar 23, 2008 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Semi-silver Lining
"For what it's worth, Castillo hit .384 during the offseason to win the Venezuelan Winter League batting title for Caracas. He finished second in the league's Most Valuable Player voting to Giants catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, who amassed 15 homers and 47 RBIs in 53 games for Caribes."
Matt Cain's right hand beats a Royal Flush.
by Viva Gigantes on Mar 23, 2008 8:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That MVP award hasn't been much help to Eliezer's hitting stateside, has it?
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Mar 23, 2008 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Low risk investment
Jose Castillo will bring something sorely lacking in the SF infield - stellar defense. With Ortmeier, Durham and Aurilia the possible starters, SF infield will be short on range and quality defense. Castillo is versatile, has an outstanding arm and can provide Bochy with line-up flexibility. Castillo is on a split contract and has a minor league option available. He comes recommended by Ed Creech (senior adviser) who was director of scouting at Pittsburgh when Castillo played for the Pirates.
by wilriv21 on Mar 23, 2008 12:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Possible trade?
Considering second base is Castillo's best position, wouldn't Ray Ray for Joe Crede make sense right now?? Crede fills the hole at third, Castillo joins the competition with Frandsen and Velez for second base when Omar returns, (in addition to seeing lots of action when Omar needs to sit) and Durham returns to Chicago, a place where he is very popular and fills their need for a veteran second baseman. Sounds like one of those mythical trades that helps both teams. (or hurts, depending on their health this year!!)
Randy Messenger: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!!"
by rxmeister on Mar 23, 2008 4:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It'd work just fine, IMO.
Problem is Kenny Williams' asking price. And it also sounds like Crede's been looking hurt, from what scouts have said recently.
Brian Anderson: I can has spot in Fresno 'pen?
by Anticon23 on Mar 23, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crede
Wouldn't surprise me a bit if Crede goes on waivers this week anyway. It makes absolutely no sense for the White Sox to send Fields down when Crede has done nothing this spring to win back the job. They put Uribe on waivers last week and pulled him back and now they're stuck with him. If Sabean is smart and Crede DOES go on waivers he shouldn't claim him, because if he waits he can get him and have the Sox pay his salary as well.
Randy Messenger: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!!"
by rxmeister on Mar 24, 2008 5:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Sabean doesn't claim, how confident are you that no one else will?
2008 Giants: A steaming pile of scrap!
by Goofus on Mar 24, 2008 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goofus , Oh Great Chili Dog with Jalapeños of the Mac Chron’s, who else would?
Maybe The Fish (A.K.A the used player lot of the MLB) but then who do they bump off the roster and how is that guy not necessarily more interesting then Crede at 5.1 mil + talent?
I am a Giants fan. Thus I enjoy my pain.
by daveinexile on Mar 24, 2008 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Five Million Reasons
If someone picks him up and pays him this salary after last year and the spring that he has had, c'est la vie. I doubt anyone is willing to add 5 million to their payroll at this late date on such a question mark of a player though. When he clears, few teams will offer him the chance to be their everyday player at third base in this, his walk year, and after phone calls from Schuler and Rowand he will sign with the Giants.
Randy Messenger: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!!"
by rxmeister on Mar 24, 2008 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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