New York Mets fans have finally heard what they may have wanted to hear the past few seasons. Luis Castillo is calling it quits on New York. The New York Post’s Dan Martin has quoted the Mets second-baseman as saying “I can’t be here anymore. I know I’m not going to be here next year.”
Castillo is a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner. Recently, Jerry Manuel doesn’t see the same Castillo as in years prior. Instead, the Mets have turned to a rotation of Reuben Tejada and Luis Castillo at second-base.
Tejada is a rookie and Castillo has been in the Major Leagues for 15 seasons. The playing time seems to be equal since their time splitting. Castillo is unhappy because of this, but has not requested a trade from the Mets.
There is still one year left on Castillo’s contract out of four years worth $25MM. He was packaged in a deal for Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs that was rejected at the trade deadline. He could always opt for retirement if the Mets or any other Major League Baseball team does not give him what he desires.
There has been no comment from the Mets front office or Omar Minaya on Castillo’s unhappiness. It will be interesting to see how his demeanor plays in the clubhouse. Mets fans fear that this could start a chain reaction of people expressing their disinterest with the team.
Ever since last year’s Subway Series, the Mets have wanted to oust Castillo for dropping the game-winning out against the New York Yankees. Maybe Luis Castillo could get an offer from the Yankees for a bench role. Although a bench role is what he despises currently with the New York Mets.
Tejada seems to only have a nice flashy glove and the Mets still may have to make a move to improve at second-base, so getting rid of Castillo is only the start to finding the right person for the job.
Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez are not what they use to be. The Mets are carrying dead-weight on the team and fans are counting down the days until they both come off the books for free-agency.
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