Beavers' Castro Recognized in Baseball America's 'Best Tools' Survey

August 5, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Anyone who's ever seen Portland Beavers second baseman Bernie Castro run the bases already knows what Pacific Coast League managers confirmed today.

Castro, who leads the PCL with 42 stolen bases and who has led his league in stolen bases each of the previous two seasons, was tabbed the PCL's "Fastest Base Runner" in Baseball America's annual "Best Tools" listing.

Each season, Baseball America surveys managers in each league and has them rank players in a number of pitching, offensive and defensive categories.

Castro, 24, has stolen 292 bases in five seasons and often creates difficulty for opposing fielders on even the most routine plays with his quickness out of the batter's box. As a result, Castro was one of two Beavers selected to play in this year's Triple-A All-Star Game in Memphis.

"In my 30 years in the game, Castro is probably one of the top three fastest from home to first and from first to third that I've seen," said Rick Sweet, manager of the Beavers.

Castro, who leads the Beavers with five triples, began his career in the New York Yankees organization in 1999, but was traded to the San Diego Padres following the 2001 season. Despite stealing a career-low 53 bases last season at Class AA Mobile, he led his league in the category for a second straight year. With 67 thefts at Class A Greensboro, Castro led the South Atlantic League in 2001.



Pacific Coast League Stories from August 5, 2003


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