Biographical

Portrait of Starlin Castro

Starlin Castro 3BNationals

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2019 Projections (Preseason PECOTA - seasonal age 29)
PA AVG HR R RBI SB DRC+ WARP
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Birth Date3-24-1990
Height6' 2"
Weight218 lbs
Age34 years, 1 months, 0 days
BatsR
ThrowsR
1.32015
1.12016
1.12017
1.62018
1.62019
proj
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

YEAR TEAM AGE G PA H 2B 3B HR BB SO HBP SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ DRAA BRR FRAA BWARP
2010 CHN 20 125 506 139 31 5 3 29 71 6 10 8 .300 .347 .408 90 -5.2 0.6 -4.9 1.1
2011 CHN 21 158 715 207 36 9 10 35 96 2 22 9 .307 .341 .432 109 8.5 0.3 3.4 4.3
2012 CHN 22 162 691 183 29 12 14 36 100 4 25 13 .283 .323 .430 101 0.7 1.1 2.1 3.3
2013 CHN 23 161 705 163 34 2 10 30 129 7 9 6 .245 .284 .347 74 -19.4 0.1 -5.5 0.2
2014 CHN 24 134 569 154 33 1 14 35 100 4 4 4 .292 .339 .438 109 5.7 -2.6 3.5 3.1
2015 CHN 25 151 578 145 23 2 11 21 91 5 5 5 .265 .296 .375 80 -11.2 -2.2 4.4 1.3
2016 NYA 26 151 610 156 29 1 21 24 118 3 4 0 .270 .300 .433 93 -4.1 -2.1 0.8 1.1
2017 NYA 27 112 473 133 18 1 16 23 93 4 2 0 .300 .338 .454 102 2.5 0.5 -4.9 1.1
2018 MIA 28 154 647 165 32 2 12 48 124 0 6 4 .278 .329 .400 102 3.6 0.3 -6.2 1.6
2019 MIA 29 162 676 172 31 4 22 28 111 3 2 2 .270 .300 .436 90 -5.5 -1.8 -6.7 0.6
Career147061701617296391333091033388951.280.319.41495-24.5-5.8-14.217.8

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shown —Click to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G PA oppAVG oppOBP oppSLG BABIP BPF BRAA repLVL POS_ADJ DRC+ DRC+ SD FRAA BRR DRAA BWARP
2007 dcu Rk DSL 60 253 .000 .000 .000 .325 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
2008 CUB Rk AZL 51 215 .264 .352 .384 .360 100 8.9 6.9 0.8 153 0 10.9 1.3 -2.0 1.7
2009 DAY A+ FSL 96 387 .253 .327 .363 .329 99 4.8 11.2 4.7 117 0 12.1 0.8 6.4 3.6
2009 TEN AA SOU 31 122 .254 .330 .380 .320 93 2.3 4.5 2 105 0 1.8 -1.8 1.6 0.8
2010 CHN MLB NL 125 506 .254 .318 .398 .346 98 3.2 13.9 6.4 90 9 -4.9 0.6 -5.2 1.1
2010 TEN AA SOU 26 121 .275 .352 .405 .412 102 9.7 3.5 1.6 154 0 -3.1 -0.7 7.4 0.9
2011 CHN MLB NL 158 715 .256 .318 .399 .344 101 9.4 19.3 8.9 109 10 3.4 0.3 8.5 4.3
2012 CHN MLB NL 162 691 .255 .316 .403 .315 100 6.4 18.9 8.7 101 5 2.1 1.1 0.7 3.3
2013 CHN MLB NL 161 705 .250 .312 .385 .290 104 -21.9 18.5 8.5 74 8 -5.5 0.1 -19.4 0.2
2014 CHN MLB NL 134 569 .251 .312 .386 .337 101 8.1 14.7 6.7 109 12 3.5 -2.6 5.7 3.1
2015 CHN MLB NL 151 578 .253 .314 .394 .298 93 -7.1 15.6 5.4 80 8 4.4 -2.2 -11.2 1.3
2016 NYA MLB AL 151 610 .256 .320 .418 .305 111 -7.5 17.2 -0.6 93 8 0.8 -2.1 -4.1 1.1
2017 NYA MLB AL 112 473 .257 .322 .432 .347 106 3.8 13.8 -0.8 102 8 -4.9 0.5 2.5 1.1
2017 TRN AA EAS 2 7 .287 .332 .457 .400 102 -0.1 0.2 0 72 0 0.0 0.0 -0.2 0.0
2017 SWB AAA INT 6 25 .263 .307 .400 .368 98 0.4 0.7 -0.2 123 0 0.1 0.4 0.6 0.2
2018 MIA MLB NL 154 647 .248 .313 .407 .330 89 14.3 18.1 -0.8 102 7 -6.2 0.3 3.6 1.6
2019 MIA MLB NL 162 676 .248 .315 .422 .293 96 -6.9 20.4 0.2 90 8 -6.7 -1.8 -5.5 0.6

Statistics For All Levels

Minor league stats are currently shown —Click to hide.
Year Team lvl LG PA AB R H 2B 3B HR TB RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG ISO SF SH
2007 dcu Rk DSL 253 221 47 66 6 2 2 82 31 23 24 13 2 .299 .372 .371 .072 2 2
2008 CUB Rk AZL 215 196 33 61 11 5 3 91 22 14 33 6 5 .311 .364 .464 .153 1 1
2009 TEN AA SOU 122 111 11 32 6 3 0 44 14 10 12 6 0 .288 .344 .396 .108 1 1
2009 DAY A+ FSL 387 358 45 108 17 3 3 140 35 19 41 22 11 .302 .338 .391 .089 5 5
2010 TEN AA SOU 121 109 20 41 8 5 1 62 20 9 11 4 5 .376 .429 .569 .193 0 0
2010 CHN MLB NL 506 463 53 139 31 5 3 189 41 29 71 10 8 .300 .347 .408 .108 4 4
2011 CHN MLB NL 715 674 91 207 36 9 10 291 66 35 96 22 9 .307 .341 .432 .125 4 0
2012 CHN MLB NL 691 646 78 183 29 12 14 278 78 36 100 25 13 .283 .323 .430 .147 5 0
2013 CHN MLB NL 705 666 59 163 34 2 10 231 44 30 129 9 6 .245 .284 .347 .102 1 1
2014 CHN MLB NL 569 528 58 154 33 1 14 231 65 35 100 4 4 .292 .339 .438 .146 2
2015 CHN MLB NL 578 547 52 145 23 2 11 205 69 21 91 5 5 .265 .296 .375 .110 4 1
2016 NYA MLB AL 610 577 63 156 29 1 21 250 70 24 118 4 0 .270 .300 .433 .163 5 1
2017 NYA MLB AL 473 443 66 133 18 1 16 201 63 23 93 2 0 .300 .338 .454 .153 3 0
2017 TRN AA EAS 7 7 0 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 .286 .286 .429 .143 0 0
2017 SWB AAA INT 25 24 4 8 0 0 1 11 2 1 4 0 0 .333 .360 .458 .125 0 0
2018 MIA MLB NL 647 593 76 165 32 2 12 237 54 48 124 6 4 .278 .329 .400 .121 6 0
2019 MIA MLB NL 676 636 68 172 31 4 22 277 86 28 111 2 2 .270 .300 .436 .165 9 0

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr% CSAA
2010 1807 0.5163 0.4660 0.8432 0.5906 0.3330 0.9165 0.7045 0.1568 -0.0016
2011 2618 0.5031 0.4859 0.8333 0.6416 0.3282 0.9183 0.6651 0.1667 -0.0017
2012 2367 0.4947 0.4951 0.8166 0.6456 0.3478 0.9180 0.6322 0.1834 0.0022
2013 2718 0.4956 0.4724 0.7975 0.6184 0.3290 0.8715 0.6608 0.2025 0.0002
2014 2099 0.4731 0.4655 0.7830 0.6465 0.3029 0.8723 0.6119 0.2170 -0.0021
2015 2109 0.4813 0.4908 0.8029 0.6502 0.3428 0.8758 0.6747 0.1971 0.0058
2016 2236 0.4521 0.5157 0.7676 0.6805 0.3796 0.8735 0.6108 0.2324 0.0000
2017 1830 0.4262 0.4978 0.7662 0.6756 0.3657 0.8672 0.6276 0.2338 0.0000
2018 2407 0.4711 0.4599 0.7733 0.6481 0.2922 0.8789 0.5645 0.2267 0.0000
2019 2466 0.4919 0.4919 0.8087 0.6521 0.3368 0.8925 0.6517 0.1913 0.0000
Career226570.48170.48400.79960.64480.33500.88880.63970.20040.0003

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2014-09-03 2014-09-29 DTD 26 23 Left Ankle Sprain High Ankle Sliding At Home Plate -
2014-03-03 2014-03-29 Camp 26 0 Right Thigh Strain Hamstring - -
2013-02-28 2013-03-13 Camp 13 0 Left Thigh Strain Hamstring - -
2012-04-22 2012-04-22 DTD 0 0 Left Elbow Contusion HBP - -
2010-09-13 2010-09-15 DTD 2 2 Left Hip Soreness -
2010-06-04 2010-06-04 DTD 0 0 Right Forearm Laceration -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2021 WAS $7,000,000
2020 WAS $5,000,000
2019 MIA $11,857,142
2018 MIA $10,857,143
2017 NYA $9,857,143
2016 NYA $7,857,143
2015 CHN $6,857,143
2014 CHN $5,857,143
2013 CHN $5,857,143
2012 CHN $567,000
2011 CHN $440,000
YearsDescriptionSalary
11 yrPrevious$72,007,000
11 yrTotal$72,007,000

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
10 y 150 dMagnus Sports2 years/$12M (2020-21)

Details
  • 2 years/$12M (2020-21). Signed by Washington as a free agent 1/3//20. 20:$5M, 21:$7M. Placed on restricted list 6/16/21 (attending to family matter). Activated 6/18/21. Placed on restricted list 7/16/21 (administrative leave during MLB investigation of domestic violence allegation). Suspended 30 games without pay 7/30/21. (Nationals to release Castro at conclusion of suspension 9/1/21).
  • 7 years/$60M (2013-19), plus 2020 club option. Signed extension with Chicago Cubs 8/28/12. $6M signing bonus. 13:$5M, 14:$5M, 15:$6M, 16:$7M, 17:$9M, 18:$10M, 19:$11M, 20:$16M club option, $1M buyout. 2019 salary and 2020 option increase by $2M each with one MVP in 2013-19 or two top 5 finishes in MVP vote, 2013-19. Deal does not include no-trade protection. Acquired by NY Yankees in trade from Chicago Cubs 12/8/15. Acquired by Miami in trade from Chicago Cubs 12/9/17. Miami declined 2020 option 10/31/19.
  • 1 year/$567,000 (2012). Re-signed by Chicago Cubs 3/5/12.
  • 1 year/$440,000 (2011). Re-signed by Chicago Cubs 2/11.
  • 1 year (2010). Contract purchased by Chicago Cubs 5/7/10.
  • Signed by Chicago Cubs 2006 as an amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic. $50,000 signing bonus.

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT PA R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ VORP FRAA WARP
90o 53 14 3 0 1 4 10 0 0 .298 .353 .426 119 0.0 3B 0, 0.0
80o 35 9 2 0 1 3 7 0 0 .281 .343 .438 112 0.0 3B 0, 0.0
70o 22 6 1 0 1 2 4 0 0 .300 .364 .500 107 0.0 3B 0, 0.0
60o 11 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 .300 .364 .400 102 0.0 3B 0, 0.0
50o 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 98 0.0 3B 0, 0.0
Weighted Mean410000100.333.333.3331000.03B 0,0.0

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BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

Click here to see articles tagged with Starlin Castro

BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2020-05-01 13:00:00 (link to chat)Should having Danny Santana or shogo akiyama as my starting utility player and by far least bankable starter option cause for concern or is all this extra time making me feel less secure. Waiver guys available are Robinson cano, Starlin Castro, Brian anderson, and cj cron. OBP league. Thanks for baseballing.... I'm starting to lose it, one can only watch so many sean William scott movies before lack of baseball becomes overwhelmingly apparent
(spotted cow from Rockford)		We're all second guessing our rosters at this point, my friend. No shame in it. I'm gonna be honest and say that I have zero idea as to what we should expect from Santana in 2020 (or whenever baseball returns). I do think, however, that his leash will be short because the Rangers will have other viable options behind him. I'm more sanguine about Akiyama, though playing-time concerns are real in Cincy's crowded outfield. If he leads off, he'll be a sneaky Adam Eaton-type producer. Cron doesn't walk enough for me to advocate for him. Anderson is interesting enough, but I don't think the power is as real as others. I'd stick with Santana (the wild card) and Akiyama (the steady contributor) over the alternative options. (J.P. Breen)
2020-01-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)Will Carter Kieboom at least partially fill Anthony Rendon's shoes in the long run?
(B-Rad from OC)		I think so. I expect the Nationals to turn to Kieboom at least by May. He will be given an opportunity to compete for the starting job, but I think he'll have to earn it given his struggles in his debut and down the stretch in Triple-A. The Nationals do have other options for 3B, including some combination of Asdrubal Cabrera, Starlin Castro, and Howie Kendrick. I would not enter the year with the expectation that Kieboom is a lock at 3B. As a Nats fan myself, I love their offseason approach (again) and that they appear to be tacitly committing to Kieboom at 3B moving forward. (Jesse Roche)
2019-07-31 12:00:00 (link to chat)Still waiting for Isan Diaz to get the call? What are the Marlins waiting for? There can't be a market (trade) for Starlin Castro, right? Do you have any MLB (projection) comps for Isan Diaz?
(ironcityguys from urban area)		If I had to guess I bet he comes up in September. (Craig Goldstein)
2019-06-21 15:00:00 (link to chat)What can we expect from Isan Diaz? The Marlins are going nowhere what are they waiting for?
(sykklone from IA)		Yeah, seems like he's ticked all the boxes. Thing is, he hasn't played anything but 2B in AAA (if my quick search is accurate). I guess Starlin Castro is blocking him? If they could move Starlin, Diaz would be up within minutes. Either way, we'll see him sometime this summer. (Jon Hegglund)
2019-02-04 16:00:00 (link to chat)Who to protect going into this season in a HTH keeper league, Dansby Swanson or Starlin Castro? Thanks!
(Stash from Chicago)		I'd go with Swanson's upside, but it's close. (Mike Gianella)
2018-07-24 20:00:00 (link to chat)Who gets excess value in a dynasty league (keep forever) Side A: Rosario (OF-Min), Dozier, McHugh Side B: Starlin Castro, Mike Montgomery, Hirano and Seth Beer?? Fair trade?
(Loria from Milwaukee)		Fair, yes. I like Side A more, though, and it's not particularly close. (Scooter Hotz)
2017-10-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)what do you see as the big next steps for the Yankees?
(a.j. from las vegas)		So they obviously will need to do something with the rotation, as I said earlier. There's also the matter of Clint Frazier likely needing regular ABs and a very full outfield, and that Gleyber Torres will need somewhere to play rather soon. I wouldn't be shocked if Brett Gardner and Starlin Castro are playing elsewhere next year, and if someone like Alex Cobb is wearing pinstripes. There's also Shohei Otani. (Nicolas Stellini)
2017-08-17 13:00:00 (link to chat)I've seen a wide range of opinions on Torres. Think defensive shifting keeps him at SS when he comes up next year, or does he get moved to 2B or 3B?
(Ceej from Pittsburgh)		I was so worried that this was a prospect I had literally never heard of, but now I realize you're probably talking about Gleyber. Phew. I think he's a shortstop for now, probably a second baseman in the medium and long term. That's in a vacuum. In the opposite of a vacuum, which is where he'll be playing, it seems like third is the natural fit. Lord knows Starlin Castro isn't moving there. (Matthew Trueblood)
2017-05-25 13:00:00 (link to chat)How good can Starlin Castro be? Top 50 guy again?
(Hank from NY)		In terms of fantasy production? So far, he's in ESPN's top 50 this season by their "Player Rater." There are some things I like about Castro's approach this season. He's swinging at fewer pitches outside of the zone while swinging more in the zone. That sounds like a recipe for better success at the plate. His BABIP is unsustainable, and his rate stats are likely to drop off throughout the season. However, I think it's easy to forget he's only 27 years old. I think he'll remain a viable fantasy option for another handful of years. (Eric Roseberry)
2016-06-21 20:00:00 (link to chat)Starlin Castro has been a disappointment and Jhonny Peralta comes off waivers overnight. Is Peralta a better bet ROS? And if so would you use a #3 waiver priority on him in a 14 team points league?
(Danya from Portland )		Castro has more upside, but he also has more downside. Peralta is safer.the 50th percentile projection for each is about the same. Go with the one that matches your risk tolerance best. If it's a keeper league, lean towards Castro since he's younger and has a less Miggy-ish body type. (Scooter Hotz)
2016-06-23 14:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think last night's home run is the beginning of a hot streak for Starlin castro? They need him
(Jason from NY)		There is no telling what Starlin Castro will do at any given time. All you can do is buckle up for the ride and pray that the in-flight movie is good. (Nicolas Stellini)
2015-10-22 14:00:00 (link to chat)Should the Cubs trade Starlin Castro this offseason? With 4/40 left on his contract, what kind of value do you think he would return, beyond salary relief?
(Q-Ball from Chicago)		Some. Not a major haul. What he could be, especially in a package with one of the team's second-tier prospects, is good pitcher bait. He's not the guy any GM wants to deal prospects for, but he could be a good fit somewhere if the team's needs matched the Cubs's.

SHOULD they deal him? It depends entirely on what they're offered. (Matthew Trueblood)
2015-09-17 14:00:00 (link to chat)What are the odds Starlin Castro is still a Cub at the start of the 2016 season?
(Paul from DC)		The odds have to be low. I'll say 1-in-3. (Doug Thorburn)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)If you were the Cubs who would you target in free agency? Also at the end of the season --barring injury-- who do you see playing 2nd and SS for the Cubs? Thanks.
(Ryan Rust from Edmond, Oklahoma )		If Kyle Schwarber moves to left field as many expect, it doesn't seem like they have a lot of holes. Dexter Fowler is a free agent so they'll need a center fielder. My guess is that the Cubs bring in someone on a one or two-year deal to fill that as opposed to a big time acquisition like Jason Heyward and then bring in an arm to try to help on the back end of the rotation.

If I had to guess, it's going to be Javier Baez and Addison Russell up the middle. Starlin Castro gets traded this winter.

It's fun guessing when I have zero inside information as to what really will happen. (Mike Gianella)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)What are Starlin Castro's odds of ever kissing a girl again seeing that he never gets to first base?
(teagardener from Bat rack)		The lawyers at Baseball Prospectus are advising me not to answer this question. (Mike Gianella)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)What do you estimate Starlin Castro's trade value to be? Moo!
(DrReiCow from Greenbelt, MD)		He'd probably bring back a solid pair of prospects but not an A-level prospect if the Cubs decided to move him. (Mike Gianella)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)Not to go all Cubs Twitter meatball, but what's wrong with Starlin Castro and what can be done to fix it? He's been a black hole of suck at the plate all season.
(Darth Stout from Chicago)		I don't know if anything's wrong with him more than what you see is what you get. He's above replacement level by a few ticks but it doesn't seem likely that he's going to become that quasi-elite player some were hoping for. Even as a non-Cubs fan, his slumps and persistent inconsistency are maddening. (Mike Gianella)
2015-06-30 19:00:00 (link to chat)Mookie Betts vs Starlin Castro for fantasy purposes. Pick one for the next 5-10 years, is it close and why? Thanks.
(kylanje from Florida)		Betts. I think the power comes for Betts - or enough of it that he hits 15 home runs and there's some speed in his profile. I don't think it's close because Castro is near his peak and while I believe he's not as "bad" as some say he is, how much more ceiling is there. (Mike Gianella)
2015-06-30 19:00:00 (link to chat)Can you imagine a world where this is a theoretical thought? "3 way trade, Cubs get Matz, Rockies get Addison Russell, Mets get Tulo and Kris Bryant and Starlin Castro and Jorge Soler and Kyle Schwarber"
(Brandon from Chicago)		I can imagine it, but that world would have to include a scenario where the Wilpons never got involved financially with Bernie Madoff. It would also require some kind of scenario where Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer don't exist and the Cubs are being run by a caller from a sports talk show because he won some kind of crazy contest. So, yes, I can imagine it, but I have a vivid imagination and am a silly human being. It probably won't happen. (Mike Gianella)
2015-06-30 19:00:00 (link to chat)Mike, need your input here... Points Based Dynasty League - K's are negative 1. How close are Kris Bryant and Xander Bogearts? I have Nolan Arenado at 3B. Can deal Bryant for XB. SS is Starlin Castro, at the moment... help me out. I'm torn.
(MP from KY)		I think Bryant is a lot better because of the power (although, yes, the Ks hurt. I would hang onto Bryant, even though I could see why you'd want to make the move. It is close. (Mike Gianella)
2015-06-30 19:00:00 (link to chat)Is trading Starlin Castro a good choice for a premier pitcher?
(Brandon from Chicago)		Sure, if you can do that. I don't see why a major league team would do that though. A second tier guy seems like a more realistic target. (Mike Gianella)
2015-05-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks for the chat, Chris! After a tragic start to his season, Baez seems to be picking things up stats wise. What do you see as his ETA and what position will he play in Chicago? I've got a bet with a friend that he pushes Kris to the OF and he bet Javy goes to the grass. Thoughts?
(ball hawk from spaceneedle)		It seems that Baez gets off to slow starts every year and at each new level, so we shouldn't really be surprised that he didn't start out on fire -- that and the sample size is small. As for his position, I think he plays on the infield, likely second base when/if the Cubs move Starlin Castro. He'll come up at some point this summer if he continues to progress. (Christopher Crawford)
2015-05-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)What is a realistic package that the Mets would have to give up to get Starlin Castro?
(msimotes from Kalamazoo)		Hmm, good question. Probably looking at one of the "big" arms, Nimmo or Conforto and another B- prospect? Maybe I'm overrating Castro. Or underrating him. I doubt I'm rating him perfectly. (Christopher Crawford)
2015-02-04 19:00:00 (link to chat)Cubs SS in 2016?
(cubglen from milwaukee)		Vegas style odds: -110 Addison Russell, +175 Starlin Castro, +600 Javier Baez, and not Yoan Moncada (Jordan Gorosh)
2015-02-13 19:00:00 (link to chat)Calhoun or Starlin Castro? Who's more productive over the next 3 years? I think Calhoun, but am I discounting Starlin's power and position?
(Vic from Baltimore)		I like Castro. He has been overrated for so long that now he's finally a little underrated. He compares favorably in OPS+ with Alan Trammel and Robin Yount at the same age. That isn't to say that Castro will become of these guys, but that there is more growth/upside than you'd think. Calhoun's all right, but I don't see a big spike coming with him. (Mike Gianella)
2015-02-13 19:00:00 (link to chat)Even though I think you credited other BP members with turning you onto him, I remember last year that it was you who seemed to be driving the bus on Anthony Rendon (or at least you seemed to end up with him on a bunch of teams). Who are the guys this year that you are higher on than most?
(Shawnykid23 from CT)		I bought Rendon in Tout Wars but at the time I was a little disappointed that I didn't get Starlin Castro. I was probably higher on him than many industry experts but this was in part due to the BP fantasy team's excitement, particularly Bret.

Glancing at my ranks compared to ADP, my top five are Brandon Belt, Melky Cabrera, Manny Machado, Yasmani Grandal and Lucas Duda. If you're looking to the guy the BP staff likes who I'm on board with now as a result, that's Grandal, FWIW. (Mike Gianella)
2015-02-13 19:00:00 (link to chat)Big fan! I'm in a 13 team 5x5 mixed league where you get to keep 8 players from your major league roster and each team has a 12-man minor league roster as well. I need help finalizing my major league keepers. I'm going to be able to keep Stroman and Polanco for $1 each in addition to 8 of the below. Who should I throw back? Ortiz at 16 Pence at 18 Rusney Castillo at 4 Starlin Castro at 15 LaRoche at 1 Archer at 2 Shields at 8 Iwakuma at 7 Arrieta at 6 Giles at 2 Gregerson at 1
(MH from NY)		Thanks. You probably have to go prices and throw back Papi and Castro. Tough to throw any of those other guys back at those prices. (Mike Gianella)
2014-11-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)Based upon the Chicago top 10 talents under 25 list, should we believe that Starlin Castro has the highest upside of all the Cubs shortstops?
(berkoffm from Chicago)		No, I think the takeaway from Mau's write-up in the 25U list is that a young, established, cost-controlled player at a high-value defensive position might be slightly more valuable at present than a wonderfully enticing profile like Russell's. I'd have to think about whether I agree -- there are really strong cases on both sides of that argument. As to direct comparison, Russell has a chance to hit for more power and show more value with the leather, but Castro has already proven capable of providing solid value at the position over multiple years at the major league level. There's a lot to be said for probability. (NL Central Top 10s With Nick Faleris)
2014-07-28 19:00:00 (link to chat)If the mets make a trade with the cubs in the offseason, what would it take for the cubs to add wheeler and either degrom, gee, or niese? Would Castro and Vogelbach be enough? Thanks for the chat and keep up the hard work!
(Christophe Kristofferson from Chicago)		Two Zack Wheeler questions in a row; the trifecta is in play! Well I guess the Mets have a lot of pitching; I wouldn't flip one of them to get a good first baseman. Now if they look bleak at shortstop, then maybe they can peddle one of those starters for Starlin Castro to shore up the position for the next five years. (Matt Sussman)
2014-08-08 13:00:00 (link to chat)Craig, thanks for doing this chat. I've got a fantasy trade question for you regarding a dynasty league. Would you trade Jorge Soler, Trevor Bauer, and a 2nd round pick for Starlin Castro? Honestly, I've got no clue what the 2nd round pick will end up being. It's a late 2nd rounder, and it all depends on who Yahoo adds. My team is in a complete rebuild, but SS doesn't look like it'll be filled until Carlos Correa comes up. My other prospects include Seager, but he could move to 3B, and Baez doesn't look like he'll retain SS eligibility. Chris Taylor is also there, not sure he's the answer though. What do you think? Accept or Decline?
(Fred from Vegas)		My pleasure, Fred. Thanks for coming!

I honestly think I might hold on to your side of the deal. I like Castro plenty and Shortstops are hard to come by but I think you can get by with a Chris Taylor, and Soler/Bauer still have plenty of room to grow. I think Soler contributes by early next season (Craig Goldstein)
2014-07-24 19:00:00 (link to chat)I recently traded Wilin Rosario and Starlin Castro for Christian Yelich and a future draft pick. Good move? And in how many years does Ryan McMahon take over the catching duties in Colorado? P.S. Thank you for the chat.
(Drew from Rockford, IL)		I'm the president of the Starlin Castro fan club, but objectively I don't like this deal too much. I think Castro has more value than Yelich short and long term. Don't think McMahon catches in Colorado, really like his profile however. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-07-03 19:00:00 (link to chat)Would you trade Jose Fernandez and Maikel Franco for Starlin Castro and Miguel Sano in a dynasty? Which side is getting better value? Little afraid I'm selling Fernandez at a low here with his TJS. My SS is Rutledge, and I'm in a complete rebuild. Really appreciate any help as I have no clue what to do. Thanks in advance Mauricio.
(Christian from North Pole)		No, I think you can get better value for Jose Fernandez if you're intent on moving him. I'm the president of the Starlin Castro fanclub and all but he's not on that level, even given the injury discount. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-05-29 19:30:00 (link to chat)10-team re-draft: GIVE Jose Reyes and Jason Heyward to GET Starlin Castro and Nelson Cruz?
(Mike from Newtown)		I PREFER Castro and Cruz in a redraft, as much as I loveeee Heyward. (Ben Carsley)
2014-05-29 19:30:00 (link to chat)About two weeks I traded Starlin Castro straight up for Homer Bailey in a keeper league, r8
(Hugh Jass from Butte)		I think you lost that trade. Sorry Mr. Jass. (Ben Carsley)
2014-05-15 20:00:00 (link to chat)Trying to make a deal for a SS in deep league as I'm currently rolling Cozart out there. Who would be your targets? (have the resources to reach all the way to top if needed, but also looking for the elusive upside value as well.)
(LoyalRoyal from LV, KS)		I'd try to see if the Starlin Castro owner in your league is looking to "sell high". (Bret Sayre)
2014-04-16 19:00:00 (link to chat)16 team dynasty league...I received a Sonny Gray for Starlin Castro deal(I'd be the one getting Gray). I already own Jean Segura. I gotta take this, right?
(Sick Rutcliffe from CA)		Yes, I was late to the Gray party but I prefer him to Castro, especially if you already own a better shortstop. (Ben Carsley)
2014-04-03 19:30:00 (link to chat)Also would like to thank you and the TINO guys as I grabbed Starlin Castro in my draft and hedged with Chris Owings in my supplemental draft due to your podcast I've got a nice backup for Starlin Castro-phe
(Dan from Pittsburgh)		I (and we) appreciate the kind words. If you (or anyone else - anyone? Bueller?) likes the pod, a rating and review on iTunes can go a long way. (Craig Goldstein)
2014-02-26 19:00:00 (link to chat)Who would you rather have for this year only, S. Castro or X Bogaerts?
(Walker from Ohio)		This year only I'll go with Starlin Castro (Sorry Ben).

Xander will be the better player when it's all said and done, though. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-02-18 14:00:00 (link to chat)Given my questionable defense and Starlin Castro's presence, I'm going to end up at 2B or 3B (most likely). Which one do you see me at?
(Javier Baez from Fast Track to Wrigley)		I see third base more likely than second base. (Ronit Shah)
2014-02-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)IF you were Theo Epstien, would you see if you could use a Baez-led package to acquire Giancarlo Stanton and extend him? The Cubs have Starlin Castro locked up until 2020(he'll only be 30). And the Cubs also have to prospects/money for Stanton.
(NightmareRec0n from Boston)		Probably not-if only because I likely wouldn't be sold that Castro was my guy just yet and I'd like to see how he responds to Rick Renteria before I trade Baez for anyone. (R.J. Anderson)
2014-01-06 13:00:00 (link to chat)Javier Baez makes his MLB debut on _____, playing ______.
(Paul from DC)		Do you mean on, as in when? Because I'm tempted to respond with "on a Harley playing the banjo" just for the mental picture. I wouldn't be surprised to see in Chicago by the end of the season. They're going to leave him at short for the time being, but if the Cubs want him in the majors this fall, they'll have to make a mid-season decision on Starlin Castro. Maybe they're hoping Castro gets off to a hot start and brings his value back up so they can trade him, I don't know. I don't see Baez as a SS, so even if he plays there some, I think he ends up elsewhere. Maybe the second blank is second base? (Jeff Moore)
2014-01-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thoughts on Starlin Castro going forward? Further growth or is basically Erick Aybar?
(DS from LA)		I still think Castro can be a fine player and I hope he'll get back to what made him successful in the first place. Something went wrong last year, whether it was what he was trying to do or what the organization wanted him to do, but in the end, he has to be himself and play ball. He's incredibly gifted as a ball player. (Mark Anderson)
2013-11-25 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think Starlin Castro will rebound to his previous level as a hitter?
(Mike from Chicago)		If he's allowed to return to the type of player he is and not the type of player they seem to want him to be. He's an aggressive, reactionary hitter. That's who he is. (Jason Parks)
2013-11-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)thoughts on Starlin Castro having a rebound year? How's his outlook in dynasty formats?
(ZZB from Californ-i-a)		I think he does bounce back and hits around .300 in 2014. We may have to wait a little bit longer for the power to come in though. (Bret Sayre)
2013-09-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)What's wrong with Starlin Castro?
(JonKneeV from Indianapolis)		Thinking too much. He's a natural hitter. He just needs to return to the comfort and confidence he once had. (Jason Parks)
2013-09-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Matt, thanks for chatting. I love following along with these things while I pretend to work. Do you expect Starlin Castro to turn things around next year. I never would have expected him to fall off so badly this year. Between Castro and Rizzo it seems like some development is still needed.
(Nate from IND)		Glad to chat, Nate. Thanks for the question and WATCH OUT HERE COMES YOUR BOSS!

Phew...

I do expect Castro to get better, but how much better is really the key, right? He's really had a brutal season in all respects (well, he's been hit by more pitches, "so that's something" <- my phrase of the day, apparently). If he can repeat his 2012 season in perpetuity the Cubs will be thrilled and I think that's possible.

I do like Rizzo a lot. I was at a game in Boston when he was with the Padres and there was a long rain delay and he came out of the dugout (in the rain) and signed autographs and chatted with kids along the baseline for like 20 minutes. I also like his skills and though he's been dealt a billion times already, he's still quite young (only 23 this season), so there is potential for growth. I guess you could say I'm optimistic on both players, but I don't think either is a superstar. (Matthew Kory)
2013-06-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)I'm in a points (basically R + H + TB + RBI + 2*SB - K) keeper league with salary appreciation. I've got Starlin Castro for a good price if he ever turns it back around, but I'm looking to compete this year. WW has Iglesias, Rutledge, Gregorius, Aybar, and Alcides Escobar. Should I try to trade for Reyes or Zobrist, pick up one of the WW guys (which one?), or just stick with Castro and find a different position to worry about?
(ravenight from Boston)		None of the waiver guys jump out as musts. If it's your weakest position, then I don't mind the idea of looking into trades, but don't get too narrowly focused on fixing SS and end up hurting other positions. (Paul Sporer)
2013-06-11 14:00:00 (link to chat)How long until Starlin Castro gets real hot and bounces out of this slump?
(jharrison3 from Illinois)		The talent is certainly there, so I don't think it'll be too long. He's a big part of the Cubs' future, and I'd expect them to let him work his way out it, however long it takes. (Daniel Rathman)
2013-05-24 14:00:00 (link to chat)I've got five shortstops born over the course of six months, September 1989-March 1990. Take contract status out, but considering all else, how do you rank them for the short and the long term? Andrelton Simmons, Ruben Tejada, Didi Gregorius, Jean Segura, Starlin Castro.
(Matt Trueblood from Fridley, MN)		Short: Castro, Segura, Gregorius, Simmons, Tejada
Long: Castro, Segura, Simmons, Gregorius, Tejada (Sam Miller)
2013-04-30 12:00:00 (link to chat)What is Starlin Castro's ceiling? MVP candidate or solid regular? 20 HRs? or Elvis Andrus with less range?
(gary from Indiana)		Probably around MVP candidate. You look at the history of guys who were able to hit as well as he did at such a young age and many of them went on to Hall of Fame or otherwise great careers. I know last year felt like a step back and this year hasn't included a great leap, but he's still insanely talented and young. (R.J. Anderson)
2013-04-30 12:00:00 (link to chat)14 team dynasty league. Who wins long term? Wieters and Starlin Castro for Yadier Molina and Andrus?
(Carl from MD)		I'm not sure either side loses. Both sides get a lot of talent. (R.J. Anderson)
2013-03-15 13:00:00 (link to chat)5x5 10 team keeper league. Lineup is 14 Sticks, 9 Arms, have 4 Bench Spots, no DL. I am keeping Encarnacion at 1B, and have to decide between keeping of the 3: Starlin Castro, Eric Hosmer and Paul Goldschmidt. If I go all 1B, then my 1B, CI and Util are filled before the draft starts. So maybe the question is... Hosmer or Goldy?
(sergeantegnew from NYC)		The question should be Hos or Goldy, I agree. Goldy seems like more of 'sure thing' but I think you could argue Hosmer based on upside. I guess it will come down to the relative cost and if you need production now or in 2-3 years. (Harry Pavlidis)
2013-03-15 13:00:00 (link to chat)Harry... welcome to your inaugural chat! Who are three hitters and three pitchers you expect to breakout this year (or really build on last year's performance).
(Sexy Rexy from New York)		that's a tough question, I haven't prepped for my fantasy drafts yet....Samardzija and Matusz where my picks last year, and I was 1 for 2. I think both will progress again. Mike Leake is this year's new pick. I'm hearing good stuff about Max Scherzer FWIW. At the plate, wow, let's see. Starlin Castro although I may be biased is one. Cespedes could be a superstar this year. (Harry Pavlidis)
2013-02-27 20:00:00 (link to chat)Why the big love in the industry for Starlin Castro? He looks way overvalued on his ADP especially in comparison to Ian Desmond who's going way later.
(Mike from France)		He's 23 years old and has shown gradual improvement in his ISO the last three years. He's never going to be a 30 HR guy, but a 25/25 peak isn't out of the question. Desmond is solid, but his HR/FB% was really high and his AVG isn't supported by his BABIP. Desmond is OK but I expect some regression. FWIW, not EVERYONE in the industry hates Desmond; he went for $28 to Nando Di Fino of CBS Sports in yesterday's CBS Sports NL-only Analyst league auction...or the same price as Castro. (Mike Gianella)
2013-02-15 12:00:00 (link to chat)I offered Starlin Castro, Ian Kennedy, Glen Perkins and Gary Brown for Adam Jones, Billy Hamilton, and Michael Pineda in 20-team dynasty. The leagues uses LF/CF/RF over OF, and has deep pitching requirements. The manager I proposed this to has McCutchen in CF, Jones is his DH. He has nobody at SS currently (my backup is Segura). He proposes back Robinson Cano, Starlin Castro, and Ian Kennedy for Adam Jones, Neil Walker, Jason Vargas, and Michael Pineda. I'm not off my game when I say this guy is one suit short of a full deck, am I?
(Louis from Glendale)		I'd trade one of my kids before I traded away Billy Hamilton in a league. For him to take Hamilton out of the deal and ask you to throw in Cano is rather entertaining. Who does he think you are, Jeff Loria? (Jason Collette)
2013-02-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think Starlin Castro will outperform PECOTA's projections for him? The system can't see the changes he made at the plate with his discipline and I feel like that could lead to better numbers than what were projected.
(jharrison3 from Illinois)		Always makes sense to keep in mind factors that the system can't see, though there's a risk to that, too--some of them can be deceptive. If pressed to take the over or under on PECOTA's projected .268 TAv for Castro, I'd take the over. (Ben Lindbergh)
2013-02-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)I really need a SS and could use upgrades at SP. I own Andrew McCutchen in a league that uses LF/CF/RF. I have been offered Starlin Castro, Ian Kennedy, and Glen Perkins (closer for Min.) for Adam Jones, Billy Hamilton, and Michael Pineda. Should I take this deal?
(Donald from Chicago)		It sounds like you're going for 2013 and this deal really aids your 2013 run so I'm on board with it. Tough to give up that potential of Hamilton, but Castro is a blossoming stud in his own right and I've always like Kennedy. (Paul Sporer)
2013-02-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think Starlin Castro's numbers will be better than PECOTA projects them? Obviously the system can't take into account that he made a change in his approach at the plate last year and I wondered if it was reasonable to assume the numbers would be better? Thanks!
(Jacob from Work)		It's not unreasonable. He's still very young so we could still see some up & down spikes before he settles. (Paul Sporer)
2013-02-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Matt, thanks for the chat! What do you expect from Starlin Castro this year? Does he have the potential to hit 20 bombs and steal 20 bases? And maybe eventually hit 25 in his prime?
(Brett from NY)		Hey Brett, thanks for the question. I love doing these chats. This is the best.

It's hard to believe Castro will be just 23 this season. It seems like he's been around longer. It's tough to say a guy who hit 14 homers last year at age 22 can't hit 20 in the majors at some point, so yeah, I'd say I'm sure he can at some point in the future. He's the real deal and the Cubs won't need to look for a shortstop likely through his option year in 2020. (Matthew Kory)
2013-01-14 14:00:00 (link to chat)Other than Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro, is there really anything worth a look when it comes to the Cubs upcoming season? Do you believe "The Scrabble Ace" will continue to be dominant or should the Cubs look to sell-high on him soon?
(jlarsen from chicago)		Don't think anything about Samardzija's season screamed "fluke," so I don't see why he couldn't be that good again. The Cubs have a strong rotation, so that seems like something worth watching. Fujikawa could be fun. (Ben Lindbergh)
2012-11-28 14:00:00 (link to chat)Starlin Castro for Giancarlo Stanton straight up...who says no more emphatically?
(Nick from South Dakota)		The Marlins. Starlin Castro makes money. (Ben Lindbergh)
2012-11-01 13:00:00 (link to chat)in fantasy dynasty league would you trade jose bautista for starlin castro, given the fact that i have stanton and probably belt also in right
(temple from madison wi)		If I had the chance to acquire Starlin Castro, even for someone like Joey Bats, then yes, I'd have to seriously consider that. Especially if I've got Stanton. (Ian Miller)
2012-08-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you expect Starlin Castro to switch positions any time soon? If so, when and to where?
(sitdancer from DC)		The Cubs are popular today.

I do believe Castro will change positions within the next three years. Ideally, you would slide Castro to center field and be done with it. The problem is he doesn't seem to profile well out there. That leaves third base or second base as the most likely locations. You'd like to think at least one of Josh Vitters and Christian Villanueva will develop, so I would guess Castro winds up at second base. (R.J. Anderson)
2012-07-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)Looking ahead, who are your Top 5 SS for next season? (And, if you feel like it, Top 5 CF as well)
(sitdancer from DC)		Right now, I'd rank the shortstops
1- Troy Tulowitzki
2- Jose Reyes
3- Starlin Castro
4- Elvis Andrus
5- Ian Desmond

I struggled to rank 3-5, and an argument could be made for shuffling them up in any order. Hanley Ramirez could throw a wrench into these rankings if he sees time at SS in Dee Gordon's absence. As for the CF position, I'm much less comfortable ranking them at the moment. Matt Kemp has missed time due to injury, as has Jacoby Ellsbury. Josh Hamilton has been streaky as hell, and I just want to see a bit more from others. As it stands, though, my top 3 would be Trout, Kemp, McCutchen in that order. (Josh Shepardson)
2012-06-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think that some of the Starlin Castro criticism has been overhyped? I think there remains significant upside to his game, particularly on offense.
(Matt from Chicago)		Absolutely. Again, this kid is 22 years old (and is in a foreign country!). He's doing plenty well, even with his occasional struggles. It's only massive scrutiny and expectations that make us disappointed. We need to look past that. (Larry Granillo)
2012-06-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Apologies in advance for the open-ended question, but what are your long-term impressions of Starlin Castro?
(KRS from Loop)		I hate when I click on a question and then realized I need to give it some thought.

I love Castro as a hitter, and I think he's going to grow into a real, real power threat. I don't mean this comp to be too literal, but I wouldn't put Alfonso Soriano's 20s beyond him. I'd like to see him playing on a good team. With no insight into his mind or personality or anything of the sort, I do wonder whether it's boring for a 22-year-old to be a regular shortstop on a bad team three years in a row. (Sam Miller)
2012-06-05 16:00:00 (link to chat)Kevin, good to chat with The King again, been awhile. Thanks for all your good work. Having spent time with The Fielding Bible(s) this past year, I wonder how do teams factor in defense in the draft. For example you have someone like Starlin Castro who has a terrific bat but you have to wonder will he ever be good enough a defender to start an allstar game? In this draft, who fell because most teams could not see a guy playing a difficult position?
(gejerz from Chicago)		Probably Richie Shaffer, who is the best college hitter, but might not be able to play anywhere but 1B. (Kevin Goldstein)
2012-01-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)Keep five 5x5 roto league where keepers can be kept indefinitely and appreciate at two rounds per year: Hosmer (12), Shields (23), Starlin Castro (19), A. Cabrera (19), Napoli (14), Trout (12), Ike Davis (19), Hanson (12). I'll let Stanton, McCutchen, and Longoria go and get them back in the draft, as no one else has a top three pick. Leaning Hosmer, Castro, Cabrera, and Shields. What do you think, and who for the fifth?
(Ian from SC)		Great options there. Shields and Castro are musts. I think I also go Asdrubal (and trade him right away - or better yet, trade him before keeper selections are due if possible). Even if you can't trade him, still probably worth it there. Then I go Napoli and Davis. I like Hosmer, but not as much as the other guys at that price. (Derek Carty)
2011-08-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason, not a .9er but I don't think there's a podcast out there I enjoy more. But you need to get Jorge on again to either defend himself or just take those licks live. Starlin Castro has put a few doubles over the fence the last week; sign of things to come? What would you project the power to? Thanks for everything.
(WisconsinRob from Madison)		Jorge will no doubt ride the podcast horse again. Castro will develop more power as he matures, but I don't expect crazy production in that department. I love his swing. He has one of the best hit tools in the game. (Jason Parks)
2011-04-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Ok, this Cub team isn't all that exciting to watch. Coming out of the gates and displaying their mediocrity in mediocre fashion. But when can I get incredibly excited about Starlin Castro's start? Now? Am I late already? Should I wait a month? I need something to overhype and he seems to be all I got.
(HypedUp Cub Fan from Chicago)		Especially since they're displaying their mediocrity in mediocre fashion against some pretty lousy teams. Hype up Castro all you want -- he's all we've got. Seriously, can you get excited over Marlon Byrd? Darwin Barney? Marcos Mateo? Castro just hits and hits and hits, and he's risen to every challenge he's been given. I've grown to love the kid, and it's a shameless, probably eventually self-defeating love, but I've thrown myself into it. Feel free to join me. (Ken Funck)
2011-04-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Starlin Castro gets ___ hits this season.
(Guancous from Silver Spring, MD)		327. It's a love that lasts forever, it's a love that has no past. Don't let me down, Starlin! (Ken Funck)
2011-03-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Can the cubs move up to 4th place this year? Outside shot at third and a .500 record?
(Cynic from Wrigleyville)		Sure they can, PECOTA has them at 80 wins, a game back of the Reds. Pena and Garza should add a few wins. Starlin Castro will continue to progress. More playing time for Soto. Plus Carlos Silva! (Jeremy Greenhouse)
2011-03-08 14:00:00 (link to chat)Expectations for Freddie Freeman this year? For beyond this year?
(OklahomaBrave from Baton Rouge)		Freeman is a big guy but not a big power hitter so I could see something in the .285, 16-18 HR range this year, eventually turning into a .900 OPS guy based on a high average, a lot of doubles, and 20-22 or so homers. Stats-wise I don't see a superstar, but like with Starlin Castro, let's not forget he's only 21 years old so there' still plenty of time for growth. (Cory Schwartz)
2011-02-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Professor - I know the minor league SS ranks are a bit thin, but what about the guys who have already been promoted? Who out of this group do you like to have the best MLB career - Starlin Castro, Elvis Andrus, Alcides Escobar or Reid Brignac?
(bretsayre from nj)		Best career: Overall, I'll say Andrus. I don't think Castro stays at SS or he would be my choice. (Jason Parks)
2011-02-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward, Mike Stanton and Starlin Castro all played last year at age 20. Has there ever been a year when that many 20-year-olds did as well in the majors as those three? Of the players who've done that in the past, have most ended up in Cooperstown?
(Rex Little from Big Bear, CA)		Restricting our inquiry to hitters who had at least 200 PAs, last year had four: the ones you mention plus Ruben Tejada. Years with four 20 year-old hitters aren't so rare (e.g. 1976, 1970), but the only year in recent memory with MORE 20 year-old hitters is 1964. That year, Ed Kranepool, Rusty Staub, Tony Conigliaro, Derrell Griffith, Ed Kirkpatrick, and Terry Jones all played their age-20 seasons. As best I can tell, that (6) is the record. (Tommy Bennett)
2011-02-08 14:00:00 (link to chat)What type of peak-year production can we expect out of Starlin Castro?
(Matt from Chicago)		Peak? Solid (if unspectactular) defense at short, and maybe .320/.370/.430. (Ken Funck)
2011-03-02 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who are your favorite players to watch this season? Who ya rootin' for?
(Goo Goo the Cat from Prowlin' Around, PA)		Rooting for? Well, I suppose I'm no supposed to root for players, but c'mon, how can you help it? I'm hoping to see John Danks bust out and get the sort of attention he deserves, and for Gordon Beckham to put everything together and be the star we thought he'd be. I want to see Wandy Rodriguez deliver that back half over a full season. I'm looking forward to seeing Carlos Zambrano get back to being in the news for his pitching. I'm wondering if Andy LaRoche puts up more WARP than any other NRI in anybody's camp if he can win the A's job at third base. I want to see Jim Thome's 600th career home run in person. I want to enjoy a full season of Starlin Castro at shortstop, having had to spend too much time away from Chicago last summer. I want to see what Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison do for the Fish, since that's about as entertaining a tandem of hitting prospects of similar vintage on any team anywhere. That's a few, but there are more. (Christina Kahrl)
2010-12-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)What is a peak yr triple slash line for Starlin Castro?
(Matt from Chicago)		What am I, Zoltar from "Big"? +1 for timely topical references! The dude has played one year. I've always said peak Renteria would be a good comp, if that helps. (Eric Seidman)
2010-11-09 14:00:00 (link to chat)Starlin Castro (2010) = Edgar Renteria (1996). You buying that comp?
(Scrapper from Chicago)		No. Hate it, actually. I don't think Castro stays at SS long-term, first of all. Plus Castro will turn into more of an offensive player with some power. Bad, bad comp. (Kevin Goldstein)
2010-12-02 13:00:00 (link to chat)What type of ceiling do you see for Starlin Castro?
(Matt from Chicago)		In a few years he'll be able to afford whatever type of ceiling he wants – tin, mahogany, mother-of-pearl, his choice. He's not going to develop Hanley-esque power, won't steal plenty of bases, and isn't a superlative shortstop. However, the kid can flat-out hit, and should maintain enough of an average to keep his OBP acceptable. In this day and age, when Cesar Izturis still has a job and Ryan Theriot is viewed as a SS upgrade by a contender, he's got a well-rounded skill-set that will soon be worth millions. Peak of Edgar Renteria, maybe? (Ken Funck)
2010-11-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)What type of peak year production do you see out of Starlin Castro? Does he stick at SS?
(Matt from Chicago)		His bat might not stick too well anywhere else. I'm not sure he hits .300 again given his very high BABIP in 2010. Seems like he should stick around at SS to me, though. He's probably more likely to get better than worse, and he was good enough this year even with some BABIP luck. (Matt Swartz)
2010-11-02 13:00:00 (link to chat)What type of offensive performer do you see Starlin Castro evolving into and how soon?
(Matt from Chicago)		Maybe a Furcal-type, starting as soon as next season. I really like Castro. (Eric Seidman)
2010-09-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)I have Starlin Castro($3) and Elvis Andrus($9) in a keeper league and can only keep one, would you keep one over the other or neither?
(Mike from Chicago)		Starlin Castro every day, Mike. I have a giant fantasy crush on Castro, and was psyched when someone dealt him to me on a team I am rebuilding. He's 20 years old and has shown a ton of ability at the plate--I expect some more growth out of him. Rob McQuown and I have had this conversation a lot, but he reminds us of Rafael Furcal in a lot of ways (except Castro is at this point actually as young as he says he is) (Marc Normandin)
2010-09-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Jay, I may be too late to respond, but YES I was talking only in the NL. It seems they have a ton this season with: Heyward, Posey, Logan Morrison, Stanton, Starlin Castro, Pedro Alvarez, Tabata, Strasburg, Chapman, Mike Minor, Leake, Ike Davis... all in the National League.
(Bobby from New York)		Ah, got it. That's a tough question for another day - there's a lot to like there, but we've already got less reason to be excited about Ike Davis, for one. What really matters is how these guys develop beyond year one, anyway. (Jay Jaffe)
2010-08-20 15:30:00 (link to chat)Have Starlin Castro 's first 350 MLB pa changed your opinion of his ceiling at all? He's obviously playing over his head some, but how much?
(henry from NYC)		Not much at all. I've seen him a lot and man, he can really hit. I'm a believer, and I think there's going to be a little bit of power there as well. (Kevin Goldstein)
2010-08-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)As fan, what do you is Starlin Castro's future? His ceiling? Is that higher or lower than you would project as an analyst?
(Stu from Here)		It's been a lot of fun as a Cubs fan to watch Castro. To be honest, I've been really surprised with how well he's hit. His minor league numbers were impressive, but hardly this impressive. Long term, the question is how long he can stick at SS (the aging curve for defense isn't so much a curve as a slope) and how his power develops. (Colin Wyers)
2010-06-23 19:00:00 (link to chat)Hey Colin! Is Starlin Castro going to be the first homegrown legitimate star position player for the Cubs since Appetite for Destruction was topping the charts?
(David Geiser from State College, PA)		He has a real chance at being the first one that isn't for some baffling reason stuck being the short side of a platoon with Koyie Hill. (Colin Wyers)
2010-05-24 14:00:00 (link to chat)I know it's a small sample, but as a Cub fan I don't understand what to do when Starlin Castro comes up and outperforms the hype for even a little while. Cub prospects are supposed to fail, doesn't he know this?
(Mike from Chicago)		Maybe the memo doesn't get published in Spanish? I figure it's just fun to watch. Yes, he's raw in some of the same ways that Dunston was at the beginning, but we'll see how much more comes of his initial campaign. (Christina Kahrl)
2010-05-25 13:00:00 (link to chat)What have you been hearing from scouts about Starlin Castro?
(Matt from Chicago)		Like a lot of young kids without much experience in the high minors, he is learning to adjust to the speed of the game at the major-league level. However, all agree he is very talented and that, in time, he'll be an above-average big-leaguer. (John Perrotto)


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