The Latest on Rusney Castillo: Yes, the Chicago Cubs Are Interested in a Private Workout
In an effort to (1) provide comprehensive, up-to-the-moment information, and (2) spotlight a writer whose work I both enjoy and admire, here’s another update on Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo and the Chicago Cubs’ interest therein (though we just had an update a few hours ago).
Take it away, Sahadev Sharma:
Talked to a longtime scout who got eyes on Castillo for first time Saturday, was really impressed by bat, especially opposite field power
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) July 29, 2014
Scout said after seeing the bat that if speed, which he said is 70, played in game (in CF & base paths), then he could be a special player
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) July 29, 2014
And yes, it appears Cubs are interested in a private workout. Still nothing scheduled as of yet, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) July 29, 2014
All good to hear. The intent there, of course, is not to get anyone’s hopes up that the Cubs will aggressively pursue Castillo AND he’ll be awesome. Instead, take it for what it’s worth: at least one trusted scout digs what he has seen, and Sharma hears the Cubs do want to have a private workout with Castillo (which may or may not be a precursor to actually be in on him).
Speaking of that last part, Ken Rosenthal hears the process of negotiation with Castillo may have already started for some teams:
Cuban OF Rusney Castillo holding private workouts for clubs (#Phillies today, per reports). Already fielding offers, narrowing focus.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2014
Again, it kind of feels like our next signal as to whether the Cubs will really be in on Castillo is whether they wind up having a private workout at some point this week.
A final thought on Castillo: if the Cubs are interested, you needn’t worry about what adding a 27-year-old outfielder does to the “future” picture. We can come up with every perfect formulation of possibilities for Cubs prospects breaking through and crowding out the outfield, but (1) that never happens, and (2) even if it did, then your worst case scenario is “have too many assets.” *IF* the Cubs like Castillo and believe in his impact ability, you add him now with an eye toward respectability in 2015 (remember, the Cubs are going to need at least one quality outfield bat, almost certainly from the outside, if that’s going to happen). Then, if Jorge Soler busts out, and Kris Bryant has to move to the outfield, and Albert Almora becomes ready so quickly, and whatever else you’re dreaming on happens, you deal with it. Where there is a talent deficiency – and, in the outfield, the Cubs have one near-term – you try to get talent, and you figure out the details later.
