Contrary to previous statements, including those by Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella, star shortstop prospect Starlin Castro will not start the season in AAA Iowa.
Expect shortstop Starlin Castro to open the season at Double-A Tennessee along with pitcher Andrew Cashner. Darwin Barney, who impressed the big league staff this spring, will be assigned to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs are finalizing Minor League assignments for their players this week. The Class A Daytona team should be good — outfielder Brett Jackson was expected to open the season there. Muskat Ramblings.
Starting Castro back at AA Tennessee, where he had just a handful of at bats last year, makes the most sense. Further, if the Cubs need a short-term call-up at shortstop, it’s more likely to be Darwin Barney than Castro, who would likely get the call only if his stay was expected to be extended.