Castillo Opening Eyes in Cubs Camp

**cigaretteman** · 03-22-2011, 10:34 AM

Tyler Colvin didn't look like he had a chance to make the team last spring before opening some eyes with a terrific camp.

This year's "Colvin" is catcher Welington Castillo, who is hitting .706 (12-for-17) and playing well defensively.

"He's got a game-changing arm to go along with a bat that's starting to get real interesting," manager Mike Quade said. "If he'll continue to mature and if he can handle the mental part of the game … I think we've all watched some pretty darn good physical tools. Boy, he's an exciting young kid."

Quade, bench coach Pat Listach and pitching coach Mark Riggins will meet with general manager Jim Hendry, assistant GM Randy Bush and assistant to the GM Greg Maddux on Tuesday morning to give their thoughts on how the Cubs' 25-man roster should shake out.

Chicago Cubs: Catcher Welington Castillo opening eyes in camp - chicagotribune.com

**CYdTracked** · 03-22-2011, 10:50 AM

I've never been a big fan of Koyie Hill, I realize his defense is good and apparently he's good with the pitching staff but if you've ever seen Castillo play he has a cannon arm throwing out runners at 2B and his hitting is starting to come around too. I would be fine seeing him backing up Soto this year.

**mred** · 03-22-2011, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by CYdTracked

I've never been a big fan of Koyie Hill, I realize his defense is good and apparently he's good with the pitching staff but if you've ever seen Castillo play he has a cannon arm throwing out runners at 2B and his hitting is starting to come around too. I would be fine seeing him backing up Soto this year.

Is it smart to bring him up only to play every 4th day or so? If it were all about having the best 25 guys on your roster, yeah you take him over Hill. That might not be the best thing for his development, though. I'd be fine keeping him at Iowa and calling him up if Soto gets hurt.

**Bobber** · 03-22-2011, 10:54 AM

I've watched some Cub preseason games. Lot's of new faces. Like Quade's demeanor.

**cigaretteman** · 03-22-2011, 10:54 AM

According to the article, Koyie is hitting .037 this spring. The Cubs aren't exactly expected to be competing to win the division this year. I'd much rather watch some exciting young kids with a bright future ahead of them than the same old group that we've seen underachieve the last few years.

**Clonegrad07** · 03-22-2011, 11:42 AM

Koyie won't be a Chicago Cub this year. He might be an Iowa Cub, but doubt he is a Chicago cub. I would imagine they will keep Wellington in Iowa to start off because he still has options left. I'd like to see him come up, but Max Ramirez who is also a young prospect is out of options so... I bet they break camp with Max up and see how he does. I like Castillo a lot though... good bat and great arm.