Phillies set to sign IF Juan Castro

The Phillies are set to sign their first free agent of the offseason: utility infielder Juan Castro! Wait, that doesn't get you excited? What's not to like about a 15 year MLB veteran who has a career .230 batting average?

Word has come out today that the Phillies and Castro have agreed to a one year contract pending a physical. Castro, who will turn 38 next June, will take over the Eric Bruntlett role on the team and fill in at second base and short stop whenever needed. While how much of an upgrade over Bruntlett he is is debatable as Castro does have plenty of experience as a utility player in his long career bouncing between the Dodgers, Reds, Twins and Orioles organizations but has rarely been a starting infielder. Castro did most recently spent 2009 with the Dodgers and hit pretty well, batting .277 with 1 homer in only 112 at bats but those numbers are higher than should be expected.

It's hard to drum up much excitement over this signing by the Phillies. Castro can't swing the stick and has no real speed. Really, he is nothing more than a marginal major league player at this point in his career, one who will basically be a minor upgrade over Eric Bruntlett. It will be the same story with Castro as it was with Bruntlett: the less we see of him the better off the Phillies will be.