Castro flashes power in Puerto Rico
Published on January 15, 2004 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release
MIAMI -- For two seasons, Ramon Castro has patiently waited.
When Spring Training opens for the Marlins on Feb. 21, Castro will finally get his chance at extensive playing time. The native of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, will compete with veteran Mike Redmond for the starting catching spot, vacated by Ivan Rodriguez's departure through free agency.
Relegated to third catcher the past two seasons, Castro flashed impressive power potential in limited action. Last season he hit .283 (15-for-53), with five home runs and eight RBIs. In 40 games, his biggest contribution was a walk-off homer to beat the Dodgers at Pro Player Stadium on Aug. 12.
To stay in shape, Castro spent the offseason playing for the Santurce Crabbers of the Puerto Rican Winter League.
In 29 games he did pretty much what was expected, displayed some power and was solid behind the plate.
Castro belted eight homers and drove in 25 runs while hitting .267 in 90 at-bats. His slugging percentage was a respectable .556.
"He swung the bat good," said Marc DelPiano, Florida's director of player development. "For a guy like him, more or less, the Winter League is to get his body in tune to playing in the regular season."
Castro, who turns 28 on March 1, has been playing a waiting game for much of his professional career. Last year he and Redmond were expected to share catching duties until the Marlins pulled off the surprising signing of Rodriguez.
Ironically, Castro played in leagues with Rodriguez when the two were teenagers in Puerto Rico.
Because Rodriguez was under contract for one season and the Marlins liked Castro's potential, Castro was pushed into a reserve role. The Marlins were in a bind, having to decide whether to keep three catchers for the second straight season or lose Castro entirely. Sending him to the minor leagues for more seasoning wasn't possible, because he was out of options.
"Because he has been in the Major League, in winter ball you just want him to get into shape for the regular season," said DelPiano.
Castro hopes that this is finally the season in which he will see more playing time. It projects to be, because the team isn't actively searching for a more experienced catcher.
A possible roadblock, however, could be legal troubles. Castro is scheduled to stand trial for rape charges in Pittsburgh in the next couple of weeks.
Castro has professed his innocence and is confident of a positive outcome, and the team is moving forward as if Castro will be ready when Spring Training starts.
"We're going to monitor the process with Ray," said general manager Larry Beinfest. "He's in our plans right now to share the catching duties with Mike Redmond."
In addition to Castro, the Marlins had three pitchers playing for Santurce this winter. Aaron Small enjoyed the most success, going 4-0 (2.09 ERA) in eight starts. Opponents hit just .213 against him.
Justin Wayne went to Puerto Rico in December to help regain his slider. In four games he didn't have a decision, posting a 5.19 ERA in 17 1/3 innings. Marty McLeary was 2-2 (6.75 ERA) in 11 games.
In the Dominican League, shortstop Wilson Valdez hit .298 (28-for-94) in 29 games and seems to be enhancing his chances to earn the backup infield spot vacated by Andy Fox. Valdez is considered an excellent fielder who could be joining Mike Mordecai as the primary infield reserves.
Switch-hitting outfielder Abraham Nunez hit .292 in 50 games with Estrellas del Oriente in the Dominican League. He will get a shot at being the fifth outfielder. Brian Banks is the frontrunner for the fourth outfield spot.
Some encouraging signs for Nunez are his 26 strikeouts and 34 walks in 178 at-bats.
In the Venezuelan League, Miguel Cabrera hit .327 in 15 games, going 17-for-52 with four homers and 11 RBIs. Cabrera, who will start for the Marlins in right field, used the limited winter experience to stay in shape.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Pacific Coast League Stories from January 15, 2004
- Portland Beavers Offseason Report III - Portland Beavers
- Castro flashes power in Puerto Rico - Albuquerque Isotopes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
