By Phil RogersOn the first day of the general managers' meetings, a report circulated about a possible three-way deal that would send Milton Bradley from the Cubs to the Blue Jays and bring second baseman Luis Castillo from the Mets to the Cubs. It wasn't realistic, however, as the Jays did not want Bradley. But the Cubs are interested in Castillo and both Tampa Bay and Texas are potential landing spots for Bradley.
What if the Mets would take Pat Burrell from the Rays or someone like Brandon McCarthy or Chris Davis from the Rangers -- and perhaps Mike Fontenot from the Cubs -- to facilitate getting rid of Castillo?
Cubs GM Jim Hendry could then go to his new owners and explain why it makes sense to pay part of the $21 million owed Bradley because he's adding a part -- the 34-year-old Castillo as a leadoff man/second baseman -- that can help in 2010. At that point a deal becomes possible, as early as today.
Castillo, due $6 million in each of the next two seasons, might cost
the Cubs $10 million a season when you factor in the portion of
Bradley's deal that Hendry would have to pay. But that's an easier sell
than simply releasing Bradley, especially if Castillo can help.
He's been a fall guy with the Mets since dropping the pop up that cost them a game against the Yankees last season. Omar Minaya, the Mets' GM, would like to trade him to create room to add a free-agent second baseman, with Orlando Hudson high on his list. Yet Castillo did hit .302 with a .387 on-base percentage last year. He had more walks (69) than strikeouts (58) for the third straight season. He stole 20 bases.
A switch hitter who is better from the left side, he fits the Cubs' long-term plans nicely. He could split second with Ryan Theriot once the fast-rising Starlin Castro has been installed at shortstop, which could be as soon as the middle of 2010. Hendry is working to get him.
Photo: Luis Castillo turns a double play against the Dodgers (MCT)
He's been a fall guy with the Mets since dropping the pop up that cost them a game against the Yankees last season. Omar Minaya, the Mets' GM, would like to trade him to create room to add a free-agent second baseman, with Orlando Hudson high on his list. Yet Castillo did hit .302 with a .387 on-base percentage last year. He had more walks (69) than strikeouts (58) for the third straight season. He stole 20 bases.
A switch hitter who is better from the left side, he fits the Cubs' long-term plans nicely. He could split second with Ryan Theriot once the fast-rising Starlin Castro has been installed at shortstop, which could be as soon as the middle of 2010. Hendry is working to get him.
Photo: Luis Castillo turns a double play against the Dodgers (MCT)
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Doug wrote "Plus Figgins is a third baseman and last time I checked we still have Aramis Ramirez at third."
Figgins plays center field, second base along with third base. He has played 3rd the most recently because that is where the Angels greatest need for him to play was.
He's 34!!! Long term in baseball means 3 or more years??? This guy could probably help us in 2010, but as soon as Castro is ready Theriot would get 2nd base all to himself and Castillo rides the pine or gets traded..
I could live with the trade since it would allow Castillo to leadoff hitting left handed, Theriot hitting 2nd and Fukudome hitting 5th. And since its allows us to dump Bradley and its only a 2 year deal.. Make it happen.
1) Castillo 2nd (R/L)
2) Theriot SS (R)
3) Lee 1st (R)
4) Ramirez 3rd (R)
5) Fukudome CF/RF (L)
6) Soriano LF (R)
7) ? CF (?)
8) Soto C (R)
9) Pitcher
I love how Hendry bashers show over and over again they know nothing about baseball. Castillo is 34, that's correct. But Figgins will be 32 on opening day. Not exactly a young player ready to break out. Plus Figgins is a third baseman and last time I checked we still have Aramis Ramirez at third. But no, you finished in 2nd place in your fantasy baseball league this year, so you obviously know what you are talking about.
34? Long term plans? is Hendry expecting to play him until he is 40? You got Figgins waiting there Jimmy, and don't tell anyone you can't come up with the cash. Get your new boss to open the check book and let the bathrooms wait.
The guys is 34!!! that is older than Soriano at signing, great wheels he's had! How about going for some youth that would ensure the Cubs can actually compete. I am tired of thisstop-gap attitude that saddles teh Cubs with OLD HAS BEENS! This is not fantasy drafting where the one with teh most recognizable names is better off.
I'm glad you wrote this Phil. If it had been anybody else I'd be worried it might actually happen.