May 31, 200422 yr Castro's final putout could be himself By Juan C. Rodriguez Staff Writer Posted May 31 2004 The Marlins' shopping list just got a little longer. Already in search of bullpen help, they have begun inquiring about catchers to replace Ramon Castro, a major league source said. Getting the start Sunday against the Mets, Castro went 0 for 4 and watched his batting average dip to .141. Since April 26, it has fluctuated between .127 and .167. The last time Castro's average topped the .200 mark was April 23. "The Marlins are growing increasingly frustrated with Castro's failure to step up and take the job," the source said. "No one is expecting him to be Pudge [Rodriguez]. It's not fair to compare anybody to Pudge, but [Castro] had the job handed to him." The last straw probably came Saturday when Castro replaced Mike Redmond, who left the game after he was hit by a pitch. Jae Seo struck out Castro in his first at-bat thanks in part to a lackadaisical cut at the first pitch. "That may be the worst swing I've seen a human being take in the big leagues that's not a pitcher," said one National League talent evaluator, adding that Castro's lack of fire and poor body language are puzzling. "Maybe he likes the role of the backup." Out of minor league options since 2002, the Marlins carried the little-used Castro as their third catcher. They didn't want to risk losing him through waivers and felt he would be a quality major league starter. Given the opportunity this season, Castro has responded with four more strikeouts (29) than total bases through his first 30 games (92 at-bats). Among the 30 major league catchers with at least 90 at-bats, Castro ranks last in batting average (.141), slugging (.272), and on-base percentage (.233). WAYNE'S WORLD Reliever Justin Wayne recorded what arguably was the key out of Sunday's 8-6 win over the Mets. His team up a run in the eighth, Wayne had to face Mike Piazza with two outs and a man on because closer Armando Benitez was not warmed up yet. Wayne, who issued a two-out walk to Kaz Matsui, got Piazza to swing through the first of two sliders before he popped up a fastball to first in foul territory. "To walk Matsui to face Piazza was a golden no-no," said Wayne, who has tallied a win and a hold in the Marlins' last two wins. "To get Piazza out in that tough situation, hopefully that puts a little confidence in the team to know that Benitez isn't the only guy out there. For us to be able to help him out is big." Added manager Jack McKeon: "[Wayne] has done a good job. He did that for two weeks early, and now he's back in the groove. As long as he's like that, I'm going to use him." SECOND TIME AROUND This afternoon, left-hander Tommy Phelps will face the same Reds team he held to a hit over seven innings Wednesday in Cincinnati. Making his second start, Phelps doesn't plan on altering his game plan. "I pretty much do the same approach every time I pitch, be able to locate pitches, change speeds, be able to throw strikes and keep guys off balance," Phelps said. "I don't know if it's going to be like, `Hey, I'm going to throw more changeups this time or more curveballs.' The game is going to dictate that." Phelps has faced a different team in each of his eight major league starts. "There's definitely something to it, whether it's mentally or you make it up yourself," Phelps said about pitching against the same opponent in back-to-back outings. "They've seen you already. They know what all your pitches are going to do. ... That's what the game's about, making adjustments." ON THE MEND Redmond did not partake in any baseball activities Sunday, a day after suffering a bruised right forearm. Seo caught him with a fourth-inning fastball. "It really just took the focus off my broken finger," joked Redmond, who earlier had fractured his left pinky. He could start this afternoon. Link to Article Perhaps a chance of scenery is what Castro needs to get things going.
May 31, 200422 yr Perhaps if we brought in some young girls to the club house he would feel more comfortable.
May 31, 200422 yr I think the Marlins have to do something now. I was a big supporter of Castro, but now I think something is wrong and it doesnt look to be fixed anytime soon. I think Castro can get through waivers now, so send him to AAA and bring up Treanor. We need someone to take over the starting job because Redmond is NOT a starter and will only decline if continued to be asked to start.
May 31, 200422 yr I think a move needs to be made in the next week or so. Castro is just too bad, and with Red not being able to play everyday, Treanor or Willingham need to be called up. Castro just does not seem to be that dedicated to baseball. Its like he isn't putting forth the effort.
May 31, 200422 yr Let's just say the Tank wasn't exactly pleased when Castro did that retarded "swing"
May 31, 200422 yr when did you have this epiphany? werent you all over his jock just last week? No, but your daughter was. :lol Dont bring it...you cant. :mischief
May 31, 200422 yr With our luck, he'll be released and signed by another team, just to become a huge superstar. :plain
May 31, 200422 yr With our luck, he'll be released and signed by another team, just to become a huge superstar. :plain We have pretty good luck, in case you havent noticed. But I do agree - that will probably happen! I think the case is weighing on him more than he would like to admit. Just ask Kobe - but it doesnt seem to effect him.
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