Possible trade target - Starlin Castro

[AlwaysinModeration]

Ok, he isn't Tulo, but the Cubs - and Cubs fans - are hoping to ship Starlin Castro off in a trade deal. He's having a bad year, but has posted three seasons of 2.5+ WAR already and hasn't hit his prime years yet. He's got a multi-year contract through 2019 ($7/$9/$10/$11).

 

I don't think he'd cost much in a trade - his value is down. What do people think, and what would a realistic cost be? I'd be in favor of a trade...maybe for a couple of low-teens prospects, perhaps? Maybe something along the lines of Hu and Lewis Thorpe?

[Mike Sixel]

Very low level prospects, but then, why don't the Cubs want more than that? I am not convinced he is good.

[RealTwinsFan357]

I would want the cubs to eat significant salary, but I would be interested...Castro only has a wRC+ of 53 this year(and that number is at -5 this month), so I wouldn't give up much of anything in terms of prospects or dollars...one teens prospect and a PTBNL. The cubs seem desperate to trade him now, so no need to offer too much. If the cubs don't bite it probably isn't worth it to offer more

[nicksaviking]

Sure, for Ricky Nolasco.

 

And cash.

[nytwinsfan]

Uggh, no way. Escobar is better than him, and he would be way cheaper going forward. Why would we possibly do this?

[tobi0040]

Did anyone see the game at Target Field this year?  He made an error.  Then just gave up on the play and wasn't paying attention.  The ball was 5 feet from him and the runner took off from 3B and he had no clue. 

 

Bad attitude, not great results two of the last three years, and a hefty salary.

 

No thanks.

 

[RedBull34]

 

Did anyone see the game at Target Field this year?  He made an error.  Then just gave up on the play and wasn't paying attention.  The ball was 5 feet from him and the runner took off from 3B and he had no clue. 

 

Bad attitude, not great results two of the last three years, and a hefty salary.

 

No thanks.

 

I was at that game.

 

I was watching and just wondering if he was trying to trap him or something, but no, he wasn't even aware.

[USAFChief]

I may need stronger blood pressure meds if the Twins passed on Tulowitzki but end up with Starlin Castro.

[AlwaysinModeration]

This kid is in his sixth full season and he just turned 25 a few months back. He has posted three seasons of $20mm value already, including three seasons of 750 OPS. His statistics compare favorably to Carlos Gomez through the same age (Gomez hadn't OPSed above 700 until he turned 26). And I am sure we can all remember some of Gomez' boneheaded moves.

 

I think this could be a nice buy-low opportunity. He could put up some 300/350/450 seasons in the course of his contract.

 

Players who hold their own at 20/21/22 frequently turn into very solid players as they age. I think it is worth more consideration than people are giving it.

[h2oface]

I would like to trade Escobar for Liriano, because Escobar is just that good.......

 

[AlwaysinModeration]

Uggh, no way. Escobar is better than him, and he would be way cheaper going forward. Why would we possibly do this?

Escobar is not better than him. I don't think there is much of a comparison. Cheaper, yes. Castro averaged 310 in the minors, and hit over 300 as a 21-year old. Last year was Escobar's only decent year hitting-wise; majors or minors included.

[RealTwinsFan357]

Escobar is not better than him. I don't think there is much of a comparison. Cheaper, yes. Castro averaged 310 in the minors, and hit over 300 as a 21-year old. Last year was Escobar's only decent year hitting-wise; majors or minors included.

I agree that he's an improvement over Escobar, Nunez, Santana...not too sure about Polanco, but if Polanco can't stick at short that doesn't matter. My only real problem is the price-it's steep for a buy low candidate

[nytwinsfan]

 

Escobar is not better than him. I don't think there is much of a comparison. Cheaper, yes. Castro averaged 310 in the minors, and hit over 300 as a 21-year old. Last year was Escobar's only decent year hitting-wise; majors or minors included.

 

I think you have to weigh more recent track record more heavily. Since the beginning of 2014, Castro is batting .269/.311/.382 (.692) in 975 PAs, while Escobar is batting .265/.303/.400 (.703) in 700 PAs. I'm not as sure about defense, but it seems like Escobar is at least comparable.  Given Castro's salary and the need to give up someone to get him, I maintain this makes exactly no sense.

[jorgenswest]

I am as interested in Castro as he is interested in the game. The play in Minnesota where he put his head down and let Rosario score was telling. Maybe a trade will be a wake up call and he will work his tail off this winter. I think their current shortstop crew of 4 is a better gamble.

[Rosterman]

The once and future Cristian Guzman. One of those Reusse moments: "He signed for only $30?!? Wait, he signed for $30 million!?!"

[jimbo92107]

A light hitting SS with a Delmon Young attitude? What's not to like?

[Sarah]

No, no and...no. I was at the game you mentioned too and I'm also a Cubs fan so I can tell you he does that a LOT. It's really maddening and I would rather not watch that all season.

[Brock Beauchamp]

A light hitting SS with a Delmon Young attitude? What's not to like?

I'd like to hear his thoughts on the Jewish community before making a decision.

[nicksaviking]

I would generally never question a player's effort or desire in relation to his contract status. However this guy's attitude and commitment levels were questioned before he got his huge extension, and he sure looks like he doesn't care anymore now.

[gil4]

 

I would like to trade Escobar for Liriano, because Escobar is just that good.......

I'd be all for it - I would have an excuse to wear my Liriano jersey again.  Unfortunately, I don't think Escobar's trade value is that high (unless you are trying to bring back Nelson, not Francisco).