Report: White Sox interested in Cuban prospect Rusney Castillo
Apr 4, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; General view of a pile of baseballs before the opening day baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com wrote on his MLB Pro Blog about how the Chicago White Sox and other teams are being linked to Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo.
The blog says he has been compared to Brett Gardner, as well as Jacoby Ellsbury and former outfielder Kenny Lofton.
In the article, Sanchez writes:
"“What’s certain is the 27-year-old prospect is training in Florida, he’s ready to sign and will likely join a Major League team soon after his showcase on July 26 at the University of Miami.”"
Also interested in Castillo are the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants, but others are expected to express their interest.
In an article by The News Tribune in Tacoma (Wash.), it says the Seattle Mariners are also interested in Castillo, stating:
"“Some rival scouts suggest the Mariners, who seek a right-handed bat, are among the leading contenders to sign Castillo, whom Baseball America characterizes as a line-drive hitter with ‘plus-plus speed.’”"
Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune wrote in an article:
"“Castillo has a lifetime .315 batting average and .380 on-base percentage and could reach the majors soon with plus skills in speed and defense in center field with adequate power …”"
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Could this be another big signing by the White Sox, like they did with Jose Abreu this past winter? The upcoming workout will be big for Castillo, and it will be interesting to see how aggressive the White Sox are in signing Castillo.
Maybe the success of Abreu can go in their favor, seeing how quickly he’s transitioned to the MLB level.
Abreu thus far in his early MLB career is a two-time AL Rookie of the Month, plus was selected to the AL All-Star team. Abreu is batting .292 with a .631 slugging percentage and .344 on-base percentage. He currently leads the Majors with 29 home runs, while tallying 73 RBIs.
What are your thoughts on Castillo? Let us know.