Around the Horn: Middle infielders

Castillo, Gonzalez form dazzling double-play duo

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

 

 

Following is the third in a series of weekly stories on MLB.com examining each Major League club, position-by-position. Each Wednesday until Spring Training camps open, we'll preview a different position. Today: Middle infielders.

MIAMI -- Turning two often comes with a touch of flare for the Marlins.

 

In middle infielders Alex Gonzalez and Luis Castillo, the Marlins have arguably the best double-play combination in the game. Based on their immense athletic abilities, they certainly are among the flashiest at turning two.

 

Castillo has won successive National League Gold Gloves at second base, and many on the Marlins believe it is only a matter of time before Gonzalez receives similar recognition at shortstop.

 

They say great defenses start up the middle, and that is the case for the Marlins. The tandem of Gonzalez and Castillo are the longest running shortstop-second base combination in the Majors, having started 625 career games together.

 

Their familiarity is evident.

 

With great quickness and speed, Gonzalez has terrific range to go along with a strong arm. Last season, the 27-year-old shortstop from Venezuela played 1,351 2/3 of the Marlins' 1,439 innings, committing 16 errors in 666 total chances (.976 fielding percentage). His error total matched the fewest he's had in a year.

 

Gonzalez should present a strong challenge to unseat Cesar Izturis of the Dodgers as the NL's Gold Glove Award winner at short. Izturis won his first Gold Glove in 2004.

 

Castillo, meanwhile, now has back-to-back Gold Gloves after posting a .991 fielding percentage in 2004. The Dominican native ended last season by going 58 games without an error, handling 270 chances without a glitch. And Castillo made only one miscue in his last 77 games -- a span of 352 chances. Over that 77-game stretch, Castillo's fielding percentage was .997.

 

The two are so effective working together because of their athletic abilities, instincts and comfort level.

 

 

? Catchers: Lo Duca in position

? Corners: Conine, Lowell consistent

? Middle infielders: Dazzling Duo

? Outfielders: Wed., Jan. 26

? Starting rotation: Wed., Feb. 2

? Bullpen: Wed., Feb. 9

? Bench: Wed., Feb. 16

 

 

Infield coach Perry Hill, one of the best defensive instructors in the business, helps position both of them with a system of divots that serve as markers.

 

At home games, there are small pegs on the edge of the grass behind shortstop and second base to help align the players for each batter. On the road, Hill gets to the field early and makes his marks on the edges of the infield. During games, Castillo and Gonzalez constantly look at where Hill is stationed in the dugout for guidance on where to line up for each batter.

 

The system has paid off tremendously, especially for Gonzalez, who has put himself in better position to throw. Before Hill joined the Marlins' staff in 2002, Gonzalez committed 26 errors in 2001, the most by any shortstop in the Majors. Many were throwing errors because he wasn't set or he was throwing across his body.

 

Offensively, Castillo is one of the sparks at the top of the order. Batting second behind Juan Pierre, the switch-hitting Castillo provides the Marlins with a swift one-two leadoff punch.

 

A chipped bone in his left pinkie hurt Castillo's batting average last season, which dipped to .291 after he had back-to-back .300 years. Castillo did have a career-best 47 RBIs, the most ever by a Marlins second baseman.

 

Castillo legged out 43 infield hits, ranking second in the National League to Pierre's 51, and third in the Majors. Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki had 57. Castillo stole 21 bases and was caught just four times, giving the 29-year-old at least 20 steals in six straight seasons.

 

At the plate, Gonzalez is inconsistent and often impatient. His batting average was .232 and he struck out a career-high 126 times, while drawing 27 walks. His on-base percentage was .270, the lowest in the National League.

 

But Gonzalez did show some unexpected power, leading all NL shortstops in home runs (23) and RBIs (79).

 

Gonzalez is hurt by batting eighth, where the pitcher follows. The Marlins would like for him not to try to pull everything, and to not lunge and chase as many outside pitches.

 

If Gonzalez can raise his average and become a more productive player offensively, he likely will gain more notoriety, which should help his Gold Glove chances.

 

Joe Frisaro

The obp of A-Gonz really hurts, but defensively, they are one of the best duos in baseball. I mean, 9 times out of 10, if you hit a ball their way, you are OUT! :thumbup

Best middle infield in baseball.

Best middle infield in baseball.

661758[/snapback]

 

 

Thats what I was telling this guy on the IGN boards and he came back with this:

 

"Sorry but the best infield in the majors will never have someone with a .270 obp in it"

 

Isn't being the best infield in the majors mean that you are actually the best IN THE FIELD?? :mischief2