Luis Castillo Released By New York Mets

In a move sure to make fans of the New York Mets happy, the club has released second baseman Luis Castillo. The team still owes the veteran $6 million for the final year of his contract.

Castillo entered spring training in a competition for the starting second base job. He was batting .286 this spring before his release. Lackluster play in the field had become a regualr occurrence for Castillo during his Mets career and that continued this spring.

Releasing Castillo seems more like a public relations move rather than a baseball decision.

New York fans developed a dislike for Castillo in the three seasons he was their second baseman. Castillo lack of offensive pop combined with injuries fueled that dislike. He will be remembered most by Mets fans for his dropped popup in 2009 against the Yankees.

Castillo hit .245, .302, and .235 respectively during his three seasons in New York. Just once, 2009, did Castillo play more than 87 games. Fans also view Castillo as the reason the team was unable to add popular second baseman Orlando Hudson when he was free agent.

Due to his experience and expensive contract, Castillo entered spring as the favorite to land the starting job. The competition is now down to Daniel Murphy, Justin Turner, Luis Hernandez and Brad Emaus. It’s been reported that Murphy is unlikely to get the job as manager Terry Collins does not feel he is capable of being a regular at the position. Collins appears to favor Hernandez.

On his way out of camp, Castillo told Newsday that he will, “wait, go home and hope to catch on with another team.”