Much to our pleasure, Max Ramirez cleared waivers yesterday and will remain in the organization, albeit at AAA Iowa. There, he’ll be joined by the other catcher in Cubs camp this Spring who won’t be on the big club, Welington Castillo. Much to our chagrin, the job on the big club went to nice-guy-bad-ballplayer Koyie Hill. There was never really much of a competition for the back-up catcher’s job, but Cubs manager Mike Quade offered some words on the situation anyway.
“[Hill] understands his role and he’s able to perform that role,” manager Mike Quade said Tuesday.
Welington Castillo had the best camp of any catcher, hitting .632. But the Cubs believe he needs more at-bats in the minors. He will play with Ramirez at Iowa.
“There are a lot of things, that just to the eye, you go ‘what?'” Quade said. “Fans will do that. But I love the opportunity to explain stuff like (Castillo), and people that have been around minor league baseball in particular, and development don’t think that’s the way (to go).” Chicago Breaking Sports.
Hey, Quade understands us!
I don’t doubt that getting Castillo consistent starts is a legitimate reason to send him to AAA (though, query whether he’ll get “consistent” starts now that Ramirez will be joining him). I do wonder at what point in a player’s career, he gets more in terms of development from playing with and learning from Major League players and managers, even if he starts only occasionally.
Nevertheless, the decision is made, and it’s time to root for Koyie Hill. May he do what he’s never done before: hit like an average Major Leaguer.