Red Sox have become a franchise where fat contracts go to die
By Rick McNair
Rusney Castillo
Rusney Castillo had MLB interest, as did most players who had made a name for themselves in Cuba. The projections on Castillo were a possible five-tool talent who could play any outfield position. A talented ball-hawk with excellent closing speed that could unleash strong and accurate throws. Then came the hitting in Cuba.
In 2010-11 Castillo hit .320 in 107 games and cranked 22 home runs. The speedy Castillo led the Cuban League in steals with 32. The 2011-12 season exceeded that. Castillo hit .342 in 113 games and led the league in doubles with 37. Castillo swiped 27 bases to finish third in the league. In 2012-13 Castillo slipped to .274 in just 68 games.
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Where Castillo made an impression was the international games. In the World Cup in 2011 Castillo hit .512 while playing center field. Castillo displayed everything that could justify the projection of a future MLB star and the subsequent money. The Red Sox “won” the bidding war with $72.5 Million and had a future star. The rest is a sad history.
There were warning signs such as a certain level of laziness, inconsistent performances and the fact that Castillo may have reached a quick plateau and was slipping. Offensively the Cuban League is a notorious hitters league so maybe some of the numbers were slanted?
Castillo may be an All-Star this season only it will be in the International League playing for the Pawtucket Red Sox. Castillo easily cleared waivers a few years ago and was sent packing. Now off the 40-man roster, it is doubtful he will return to Boston and have his salary count against the luxury tax.