Is Starlin Castro A Part Of The Cubs' Problem, Or The Solution?

Network Bar

By Rob Neyer - National Baseball Editor

ATLANTA : Starlin Castro #13 of the Chicago Cubs throws out a runner against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Aug 23, 2011 - Starlin Castro leads the National League with 164 hits.

Monday night against the Braves, Starlin Castro was benched. His manager called it "a mental day," which is a euphemism for "We're going to give him a day off to think about what he did."

What did he do? This:

Benching a young player for a game or two isn't anything new. Maybe it doesn't happen as often as it used to, but B.J. Upton's been benched for failing to hustle and so has Jimmy Rollins (when he wasn't even so young anymore). Certainly, when your shortstop is staring off into space (or wherever) when a pitch is being delivered and it's on national TV and Bobby Valentine spends seven minutes ripping the shortstop, management has to do something.

Thus, the benching. Which was fair.

If you're a Cubs fan, though, you have to hope management doesn't overreact.

Aramis Ramírez has probably been the Cubs' best player this season. He's 33, he's making $15 million this season, and if he's still around next season he'll make $16 million.

Starlin Castro has probably been the Cubs' second-best player this season. He's 21, he's making virtually nothing this season, and he'll make virtually nothing next season.

There are legitimate questions about Castro's focus, and there are legitimate questions about Castro's defense at shortstop. But there aren't any questions about his youth or his performance or his practically nonexistent salary. All things considered, he is the most valuable property the Cubs currently own, with the exception of Wrigley Field. There's going to be a lot of loose talk in the next few days, and perhaps all winter long, about Starlin Castro's future with the franchise.

Which is all fine and dandy, as long he has a future with the franchise. And that future should be at shortstop until he absolutely proves that he can't play there without completely embarrassing himself.

Do you like this post?

Rob Neyer

National Baseball Editor

Rob Neyer began his career with legendary baseball author Bill James, and later worked for STATS, Inc. and ESPN.com, writing more words for that website than anyone else. Rob has written or... Read full bio

SB Nation Profile
@robneyer
Subscribe to Rob Neyer

Other features by Rob Neyer

Josh Beckett's Golf Swing: Good; Pitching: Not So Much - May 11
Should We Start Working On Tim Lincecum's Epitaph? - May 10
The Unluckiest Pitcher In The World - May 10
So Far, Yankees' Plan B Isn't Looking Real Good - May 10
Do The Minnesota Twins Have A Pitcher Problem? - May 8

Comments

I couldn't agree more with you, Rob.

WAAAAY too much is being made of this incident. He sat on Monday night, that’s enough. In fact, Castro was held out of an obvious pinch-hitting situation in the ninth inning of Monday’s game — perhaps to the detriment of the team.

Yet another reason the Cubs need new management, which they will have, presumably by October.

Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation

by Al Yellon on Aug 23, 2011 9:04 AM EDT reply actions

Benching him is fine and there is no real reason to pinch hit him in Monday’s game. They aren’t exactly in the race. That said hopefully it is a wake up call for him and he shapes up after that. The cubs could really use him for the future.

by Anchen on Aug 23, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions

You'd think not starting would be the wakeup call.

After that, go and win the game. Shouldn’t matter that you’re not in contention.

Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation

by Al Yellon on Aug 23, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

It sounds like Castro has handled this pretty well.

So if his apology to the team was sincere and he realizes it is a problem, as long as he works on correcting it moving forward I have no issues.

by bdlugz on Aug 23, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Another example of bad management

Everything I have ever heard on Castro’s development is that he is an extremely hard worker who really listens to the coaches…how did the coaches not see his lack of focus without it being pointed out on national tv.

The mental lapse on Sunday never happens if the coaches are actively working and talking with him about the game and game situations. I’m not worried about Castro but more about the coaches who don’t seem to be doing much coaching… These type of mental lapses are expected with young players it is the coaches job to make sure they are minimized and coach them through it.

Would love to see a young/college type coach on staff who works with the players on fundamentals both before and during games.

by funblvble on Aug 23, 2011 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

Huh???

This is the coaches’ fault? Looking off into the outfield while a pitch is being thrown is “expected with young players?”

Wow, talk about deflecting blame. This is 100% on Castro. I hope his apology was sincere and it doesn’t happen again, but blaming the coaches for Castro’s behavior is absurd.

by GBSimons on Aug 23, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

This received a lot of unwarranted attention at BCB

The kid messed up, he admitted it was wrong. He felt bad about it and is working to correct it.

Now its the management team – new management going forward – that must make sure this kid, loaded with talent, can take the next steps forward.

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Aug 23, 2011 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed.

Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation

by Al Yellon on Aug 23, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Barney's the future - defensively

Can’t decide who I’d rather have…..Darwin Barney or Starlin Castro. I can see Castro turning into a headcase. We don’t need another – we already had Zambrano and still have Marmol.

I’m leaning towards Barney. Wonder what we could get in a trade for Castro…..?

by JenInChicago on Aug 23, 2011 2:22 PM EDT reply actions

Marmol?

Why do you assume Marmol is a head case?

If the Cubs choose Barney over Castro, they will be mocked for decades. Okay, mocked even more. We’re seeing the best Barney is capable of this season, and he’s not likely to repeat it next season. I kind of hope the new GM sells high on Barney this winter. I like the kid and he plays hard, but he doesn’t bring enough to the table.

Castro has shown remarkable poise throughout his brief Major League career. Sunday night was an aberration. He needs to work on his defense (obviously), and needs to improve his focus in the field. But he’s given no indication that he can’t handle the mental rigors of playing in the Majors.

by chapman_123 on Aug 23, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Right

Barney and Castro get lumped together way too often. They’re different. Barney is four years older than Castro, and not as good a hitter.

Barney is just a guy you keep around until he gets expensive or someone better falls into your lap. He’s a smarter Theriot, but with more glove and less bat. Castro is the guy who could develop into Jose Reyes or Robbie Alomar.

by Jason Brannon on Aug 23, 2011 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions