Welcome to Wrigley: Starlin Castro

This post will start a series that takes a look at what rookies could have an impact on the 2010 Cubs season. To begin, we will look at the Starlin Castro, who is is considered the Cubs top prospect and has many major league scouts raving about his talent.

Starlin Castro,  is only 19, but he has progressed at such a rate that the Cubs are expected to bring him up a little bit after the season starts to have him be the starting shortstop. First drafted by the Cubs in 2008, he started off in the rookie league where in 51 games he had an average of .311. And followed it up in 2009 by hitting .302 in high class A for the Cubs, before being brought up to the double A team and hitting .288.  Despite believing Castro will be with the Cubs for most of the season, it is expected that he begins the year in double A, and if things go according to plan he could be with the Cubs by late May, early June.

As I’ve stated,  scouts have been raving about Castro’s abilities. To begin he has drawn comparisons to players such as Hanley Ramirez, Edgar Renteria, and a young Derrek Jeter.  After reviewing some video that showcased Castro, I would say that he is the closest to Hanley Ramirez, but won’t provide the same power that Ramirez does. He is a very good line drive hitter, and has above average speed. Right now he projects as a solid number 2 hitter, but if he develops some more speed he could very well end up being a lead off hitter. He also is a very good defensive shortstop, providing a good range  and good arm strength,  something that would give Castro the edge over Ryan Theriot as the Cubs starting shortstop.

Starlin Castro was part of the Arizona League All Star Game, and the MLB Futures Game.

In preparation for Castro’s arrival, the Cubs are expected to move current starting shortstop Ryan Theriot to second base during spring training, a move that could make Mike Fontenot expendable.