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In the first inning of yesterday’s game, Luis Castillo cost the Mets 
an early when he stopped at third with two outs on a bloop double by Carlos Beltran.
…he would have scored too, had he been running hard from first base the entire time…plus, it was two outs, so he should have been busting it from the crack of the bat anyway…
However, following the game, Willie Randolph explained to reporters that Castillo is still ‘a little banged up,’ and so he is not running at 100 percent, which is why he stopped at third.
Randolph later joked that he would bench Castillo for not running hard, mocking the reporters a bit for being so harsh, saying, while laughing, “Wow, ok, I’ll chastise him later, I’ll get the whip and beat him,” which the reporters and he shared a laugh over.
Castillo was 1 for 3 with a run scored and two walks.
He smiled and “joked” about it — sure.
But ya know, deep down he was saying to himself….”you guys are the absolute biggest bunch of nitpicking mary’s I’ve ever dealt with in my entire life.”
I’m glad he actually appeared to be annoyed by the question at first…..saying, I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.
Attaboy Willie….here’s to hoping you’ve turned over a new leaf in 2008.
I was at the game and from our vantage point, the third-base coach didn’t do a good enough job of letting Castillo know what was going on. Castillo seemed very confused as he headed to third, where he stopped, started, stopped again, and then it was too late. At least it didn’t end up costing the Mets, but it would have been an easy run if Luis was running all the way. Overall, Castillo looked good though. Got on base three times (if memory serves) and stole a base. Laid down a beautiful bunt for a hit. Johan was tremendous. Although his fastball stayed in the 89-91 range according to the stadium gun, he was masterful at changing speeds. Just got a changeup up in the zone to Willingham, but that was pretty much it. Church hit the ball well a few times and David Wright, as always, didn’t disappoint. Still a bit worried about Delgado though. He just doesn’t seem to be too comfortable at the plate. Hopefully, he’ll look better with the righty on the mound tonight. One down, 161 to go. Let’s go Mets!!!!!
It’s good that Willie laughed it off because the last thing you want to do is take the shine off of a spectacular and important opening day victory. However, they’re right in that Castillo SHOULD have scored. It didn’t cost the Mets, but it could have. It was a mental mistake and hopefully not an indication of how this team is going to play. No excuse for not running that out. But it’s over. Learn from it and don’t do it again.
Willie can laugh it off all he wants. The bottom line is it was this kind of nonchalant (sp?) attitude that cost the Mets the division last year. I like Castillo, but that was unacceptable and although Willie was joking, I think he should be benched. Set the tone early Willie! I bought MLB Extra Innings yesterday and watched the entire Brave game last night. The Braves entered the 9th down 9-4. After rallying and being down 9-7 with 2 outs in the 9th and men on first and 3rd (Chipper was on 3rd), McCann hit an easy can of corn pop up to left. Bay appeared to be under it and the ball landed 20 feet to his left (Im sure you all saw this either live or on sportscented but for those who havent this is what happened). CHIPPER SCORED!!! They showed him busting from the moment the ball was hit and he scored all the way from first on a VERY SIMILAR play as to what happened with Castillo. This is a small sample but it just goes to show how players play under Cox as opposed to Willie. If Chipper hadnt been running hard, and hadnt scored the run to tie the game, Cox would have been livid and flipping out in the dugout. Willie on the other hand didnt even notice when Castillo didnt run. Willie better toughen up and set the tone early and not joke about his players not husteling. And I dont want to hear Castillo is banged up. He was healthy enough to sign for 4 years and he was healthy enough to steal a base….hes healthy enough to run out pop ups with 2 outs.
Agree 100%. If Luis can steal a base, he certainly can run hard on every play. Willie needs to set the tone now.
I agree, maybe this is the same old Willie. I hope not cause I don’t think we can stand another repeat of his managing from last year.
Damn. I think some are being a bit harsh. Castillo did steal a base and scored from 1st on Wright’s double. I don’t think he’s a guy that doesn’t hustle but instead didn’t get help from Sandy as to what was going on. Give the guy a break.
Agreed, Sandy didn’t give him much help at all on that play, which is what a third-base coach is supposed to do. Like I said, Castillo slowed down, sped up, slowed down again because he was confused, hence not getting much help from his third-base coach who should be adamantly waving him around in that situation.
I disagree. Fault the base coach if anyone. The ball was bobbled out there by (Hanley, I believe?) the Marlins just as Castillo was headed around third. As a runner, it is not his responsibility to see with eyes on the back of the head.