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Edited on Fri Dec-02-05 06:17 PM by WeRQ4U
As Twins fans may or may not know, the Twins traded pitching prospects Travis Boyer and Scott Tyler to FLorida for switch-hitting second baseman Luis Castillo.
This all but closes the door on the Twins getting Alphonso Soriano. I think this is a better deal, however, anyway. I never was a fan of having Soriano in Minnesota, and I believe Castillo does everything the Twins need, except hit home runs.
Castillo's career numbers are NOT bad. He does NOT hit home runs. Instead, he uses his speed to gain first base through infield hits and line drives: He has a .370 OBP and a .301 Lifetime AVG. It must also be noted that Castillo is one hell of a Defensive player. He owns one of, if not THE best arm at second base in the league, and has won two Gold gloves.
Compare these numbers to SOriano and you'll see that we got a much better defensive player. A player who actually takes a walk quite often and doesn't strike out every 3 at bats. A player who's salary is at LEAST 2 million dollars less. A player who, although he doesn't hit a ton of home runs, hits for average every year. (Soriano's lifetime average is .280, which isn't shabby) We also have a guy that is disciplined enough to take over at leadoff.
This is just my opinion. Many fans won't be impressed with this trade, and will think we missed out on getting a huge bat, but you have to see from all angles, and I believe we got a good deal here.
Discuss, if you'd like.
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