Castillo wins second straight 'Gold'

November 4, 200422 yr

MIAMI -- Gaining Gold Glove recognition is becoming contagious for Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo.

For the second straight season, Castillo has been tabbed the National League's Rawlings Gold Glove winner.

The slick-fielding 29-year-old is the second Marlin to receive the award for outstanding defensive play in successive seasons. From 1995-97, catcher Charles Johnson won three straight Gold Gloves. Castillo is one of three Marlins to collect the award.

After the Marlins claimed the 2003 World Series, Castillo and first baseman Derrek Lee became the first Florida players to pick up Gold Gloves since Johnson in 1997.

"It's well deserved," said Marlins infield coach Perry Hill, regarded as one of the best defensive assistants in the league. "I've said many times that Luis Castillo is in a class by himself. There is Luis Castillo and the rest of the league."

A Dominican Republic native, Castillo possesses a terrific first step, and arguably the strongest arm of any second baseman.

"Taking it a step further, Luis Castillo is not just the best defensive second baseman, he's one of the premiere defensive players in baseball, period," Hill said.

Castillo enjoyed an outstanding season in field, committing just six errors in 687 total chances for a .991 fielding percentage. He helped turn 97 double plays.

A year ago, he made 10 errors in 729 total chances and had a .986 fielding percentage.

"He positions himself so well," Hill said. "His arm strength really separates him from a lot of guys. He turns double plays you don't think can be turned."

While Hill was elated for Castillo, he was mildly disappointed that Marlins shortstop Alex Gonzalez and third baseman Mike Lowell didn't collect their first Gold Gloves.

"I really thought Gonzo had a chance," Hill said.

During the season, Castillo said one of his goals is to win the Gold Glove the same year as Gonzalez. The two rank among the best double-play combinations in the league.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs