Next Year: Castro or No Castro?

[Danny Serafini]

I'd keep him. When used correctly (key words there) Castro still has some value. And $1 million really isn't anything. I wouldn't let the price tag scare me.

[James B.]

Not if Narron is the manager. He uses him to pinch hit. Which is the stupidest thing any manager has ever done IMO.

Exactly! Every time I see Castro pinch it with the game on the line I cringe. The reds brought him here for his defense and Narron treats him like he is a key bat off the bench.

[Topcat]

Give the job to Olmedo he deserves this chance.

[KronoRed]

A million bucks for a guy who can't hit?

No thanks.

[cumberlandreds]

It's Olmedo's time. He will be cheaper and about as good defensively. Anyway if the Reds had to they could probably pick Castro back up mid season.

[2001MUgrad]

I think it would be great to have him around for another year. $1 Mil isn't bad for what he brings to the table, but you have got to use him more than Narron did. You can't use someone once a week as a 1 inning player if he is getting that kind of Jack. Hopefully Clayton will not be back so that would certainly open up some playing time. Would't be opposed to him starting once a week or maybe even twice a week at any combo of 2nd, 3rd, and SS.

[RollyInRaleigh]

I like Castro. I hope he is back. Good "team" guy in a utility role that has a knack for making a big play or getting a big hit late in a game. I am a Castro fan.

[oneupper]

Fidel might be worth the 1 mil, but if it turns out to be Raul, then I opt for the buyout.

Don't fret. At least I thought it was funny.

[REDREAD]

I would probably be inclined to bring him back. I know Jerry doesn't use him wisely, but I don't see Olmedo being a viable alternative. I remember how painful it was when the Reds didn't have a legitimate backup SS that could even come close to fielding the ball. Remember Mark Lewis filling in there?

Replacing Castro with Olmedo only saves about 600k or so. Not worth it, Castro has one of the worst career OBP in ML history, but Olmedo is probably going to be worse (and has marginal fielding). If Olmedo was better, I'd be more inclined to cut Juan loose.

I think it's almost guaranteed that Castro comes back. Wayne loved him enough to trade for him.

[Raisor]

I would buy Puffy a round with an escort if it would keep Castro off the team.

[Jr's Boy]

As crappy as this defense is,why the fuss of no offensive production from Castro?Would be nice to see the Reds focus on defense rather than worrying about everyone being another Tony Gwynn.

[ochre]

using Castro's Defensive acumen, within the context of this team's many glaring deficiencies, as a justification for keeping him on this roster is akin to the Captain of the Titanic being concerned about a loose bung nut on a keg of Taddy Porter in the 4th class hold.

[Red Leader]

using Castro's Defensive acumen, within the context of this team's many glaring deficiencies, as a justification for keeping him on this roster is akin to the Captain of the Titanic being concerned about a loose bung nut on a keg of Taddy Porter in the 4th class hold.

Ummm, we shouldn't bring him back for a mil?

[NJReds]

I hope his agent doesn't expect to receive his "one million dollars"

Send him on his way. We have other MI options.

[mth123]

I would probably be inclined to bring him back. I know Jerry doesn't use him wisely, but I don't see Olmedo being a viable alternative. I remember how painful it was when the Reds didn't have a legitimate backup SS that could even come close to fielding the ball. Remember Mark Lewis filling in there?

Replacing Castro with Olmedo only saves about 600k or so. Not worth it, Castro has one of the worst career OBP in ML history, but Olmedo is probably going to be worse (and has marginal fielding). If Olmedo was better, I'd be more inclined to cut Juan loose.

I think it's almost guaranteed that Castro comes back. Wayne loved him enough to trade for him.

Not trying to be combative, just trying to determine what I'm missing. What is it about Olmedo that is such a downgrade? From where I am watching I see player who is younger, has more range and his bat is similarly sporadic and undependable. Olmedo is cheaper (but not really that much), can be used to PR, and due to Jaun's declining range may be just as good defensively even if he is more error prone. Why do you prefer Castro? We're talking about a utility IF who will probably only be used in late inning double switches and an occasional start. This will be even more true if Freel returns to the super sub role and gets some time at 2B and 3B. If the starter gets hurt, the team is hosed with either of these guys.