Phillies activate Polanco, dump Juan Castro

The Phillies continue their return to health today as they have activated Placido Polanco from the disabled list. Polanco, who hasn't played since June 25th due to elbow issues, will be a welcome sight for a Phillies offense that continues to struggle to score runs. Perhaps having a table-setter like Polanco back at the top of the lineup will spark their stagnant attack.

To make room for Polanco, the Phillies have released Juan Castro. Castro was a disappointing bench player this year, hitting only .198 in 54 games, and was made expendable after being outplayed by Wilson Valdez. After being signed in the offseason for $700,000, Castro was brought in to take Eric Bruntlett's utility role with the hopes that he could provide a little more bat to go with his defensive versatility. Why the Phillies felt they needed to sign the 38 year old Castro when anyone from the minors could have filled his role will remain a mystery.

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.