Archive of SportingNews.com's old SOM Baseball forum

Just traded away Belliard as a extra.

Well, by the numbers he's the best one out there. Obviously in a hitter's park he has no #s to take advantage of, and is a "W" to boot.

If you have him in that situation, I wouldn't let him go. Some might think that Hudson or Boone would be decent alternatives, but Castillo's pretty valuable. Hit him #9 vs. RH and leadoff vs. LH.

I think the real question with Castillo is not whether you'd want him on your team, but rather whether or not your willing to spend your #1 pick on him, 'cuz if you want him, you better have him #1?

You always want Castillo at 2B.

He's the best at 2B in 2005 bar none. He will always win the Gold Glove.

If you have * base stealer as leadoff, bat Castillo 2nd and play small ball with him.

He's almost always my #1 pick and, even then, I don't always get him

i have tried to draft him with every team and finally got him with my 6th try!!!!

i was able to trade for him also and i agree he is hands down th ebest 2b in 2005

although castillo is the best 2b in the set I think hudson is a solid second choice although he isnt as good a hitter overall makes more errors and gets injured more frequently he has more pop and is a lot cheaper

I don't buy into this theory that this guy is more important than say, Randy Johnson for a #1 pick. Give me a break. You run at least a 50% chance of wasting your #1 pick on a 2B with a great glove yes, but there are others ways of accomplishing waht he gives you for the same or less money.

I don't believe that having a 2 vs a 1 at 2B is the difference between winning a championship or not.

Vets? Please correct me if I am wrong.

I guess you could say that you always run a high chance of not getting your #1, but I prefer an "under the radar" approach where you almost guarantee yourself a great player with that pick.

For those who have read "Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintanence", there is more than one way to put together a barbeque.

There are a number of good pitchers who will be nearly as effective as the Unit, but the gap between Castillo and other 2Bs is substantial. He's the best combo glove, OBP, speed and bat skills at that position in the set. I've had Schmidt and Oswalt put up Unit-like numbers, but no other 2B as consistent as Castillo. Funny thing, though, is that I've had him on four teams ... in six tries ... and never once drafted him No. 1. Had him No. 3 and Izturis at No. 4 and got them both once; best team I've had (which isn't saying much).