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In the Star-Ledger, Jeremy Cothran runs an outstanding report on the life and times of a player who gets traded to New York during the middle of a season, and how the player adapts, finds housing, gets around, learns the city, and sets his kids up in school, among other hurdles.
The report mainly focuses on Mets 2B Luis Castillo, who, based on the report, was never very happy with living in Minnesota, and who is now very excited to be in New York.
Castillo has a .349 OBP in 34 games since joining the Mets.
For more on Castillo, check 
out Anthony DiComo’s recent profile of the Mets second baseman at MLB.com.
Ruben Gotay, as quoted by DiComo…
“You can look. He’s always in the right spot. That comes from somebody who plays the game every day, who knows the game…I see him play, how easy he does it. It’s good to see him play, so I can get better.”
By the way, Castillo was scratched from Wednesday’s lineup with a sore right knee that has troubled him all season.
On Thursday, Willie Randolph told reporters that Castillo will be fine, and should be back in the lineup today.
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That was an enjoyable read…glad to hear Castillo fits in nicely
I agree he is a perfect fit. At first I was worried about him coming here because his comments after being traded – and his balky knee. So far only one of those two items has become a concern.
Great article.
There is no doubt that the Mets are a superior team since acquiring Castillo. Reyes’ base stealing numbers are up, means more baserunners in scoring position. Castillo’s defense speaks for itself… the dude can flat out play the game.
If his presence grooms Gotay… all the better.
Not knowing if Castillo is coming back, but if they decide to go with GOtay as the 2B of the future, it would be nice if he learns how to play defense better by being there watching Castillo play.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Castillo back, but with his age and knee issues, I would like it to be a shorter, or incentive (option) laden deal.
ruben made a great diving stop and then popped back up with confidence to get a fast runner (I forget who) on wednesday at the game I attended, in a manner reminiscent of Castillo, getting the runner by a step. Too bad his ABs against Smoltz were so ugly. (up 2-0 in the count second & third, less than 2 outs, flailing at 3 straight pitches, ugh)
Omar got ripped most of the year for a poor off-season, but he more than made up for it by the way he fixed this team in mid-season.
DFA Franco
Fire Down
acq. Conine
acq. Castillo
acq. Marlon Anderson
I’m sure I left off a few….
At the All-Star break, our bench was by far our weakest area. Omar made it 100% better.
I don’t mind bringing Castillo back, but he’ll want 3-4 years. The idea is that the knee will get better over the offseason, and then a steady diet of natural turf will not wear it down as quickly. Gotay as our if back up is a very nice security policy. I’m getting a Melvin Mora vibe with Gotay. I think ultimately he forces his way into the lineup, but a happy Castillo doing all the right things in front of Reyes wiil make the team better, especially in close games where the ability to manufacture runs is crucial.
Honestly, I would give Castillo 3-4 years to stay here. He’s banged up, but if you keep Gotay, you have a suitable fill-in. I know statheads revile this line of logic, but Castillo really does so many “little things” well that I think our offense runs more efficiently with him in the lineup, regardless of his power production. And his defense, even after losing a step, has been stellar.
I like Castillo alot. He has been a steady influence both in the field and lineup. He is a great complement to our team. A real professional .300 hitter with speed. A very good tablesetter.
Gotay does seem to have more life in his bat and I can see him become something of a Melvin Mora. We did not know exactly what we had in Mora and he blossomed in an everyday role. Gotay, if given the chance, looks like he has some of that upside in him as well.
I’d give Castillo a 2 year deal with a mutual option on year 3 which could be changed to a buyout if the team desires. I can see Gotay being our super sub next year and getting 300 plus at bats by playing 2nd and SS and 3b a little and occassionally an outfield start if needed.
I can also see us going for broke and letting Gotay win the job in spring training
I’d love to see him back. I would offer a 2 year guarantee with a 3rd year option based on AB like Valentin’s. If he likes it here as much as the article alludes to, I think he may take it, even for a little less $. Its not easy to find “platanos” in the midwest.