What are your thoughts on Starlin Castro's 2012 season?

[ballerskrip]

I am curious as to other opinions on Starlin's season this year, outside of mine.

Starlin turned 22 this season and has started to show more power, but his average has taken a dip from last year from .307 to .281.

What is your take on his production, and "progress" or lack there of this year?

His stats:

.281

12 HR
75 RBI
162 HIts
24 2bs
11 3bs
24 SB
47 total extra base hits
.319 OBP
.748 OPS

Last years key stats

.307
10 HR
66 RBI
55 Extra base hits
22 SBs
.773 OPS

My take: I like to see the power improvements, and the increased stolen bases. I think there is still enough power potential to believe that he could top out near 30 Homeruns and make a good run at being a 30/30 player. I love the fact that he is still 22 years old and already has over 500 hits. I have also seen great improvement in his defense and think we will see him get nothing but better over the next few years. He has all the tools to be a phenomenal defensive SS.

My concern is that his approach is still waivering. Some games I watch it appears he has it figured out, swinging at only "his pitch". Other games he is swinging at pitches he has no business offfering at. If he can cotinue working his approach, which I am sure Theo will press on him, he should be able to raise his OBP and increase his homerun totals.

What are your thoughts? Especially from those that have actually watched him consistently.

skrip

 

[ThoseBackPages]

would love to see him get out of that organization

 

[George_Calfas]

I would take him on my team.

 

[Zambrano38]

It's been a season of adjustments for Castro, which has seen his average take a dip. Overall though, I am ok with him having setbacks now, so he can learn from them and get better. Since July after Rudy Jaramillo has fired, the Cubs have been asking Castro to take a different approach at the plate. They want him to take more pitches, have quality at-bats, and wait for pitches. Since the break, he's striking out less (14.0% vs 17.7%) and walking more (7.9% vs 3.5%). Even with the lower average in the second half (.263 vs .291), his OBP is still higher (.323 vs .314). He's also been somewhat unlucky, only hitting .288 on balls batted in play since the break, compared to .331 before, which certaintly hasn't helped his average. Still since he signed his contract though, I think Castro has looked more confident up at the plate and will continue to improve. The bigger concern going into the season was his defense and while his errors are still high, he has already improved enough to not have a negative fielding WAR. I also like the fact that Castro is committed to the team and the town and goes out and plays everyday (this team would be pretty boring otherwise). Honestly, the average doesn't worry me a whole lot. At 22, he has a lot of time to put it all together, and I am excited to see the player he will develop into over the next few years.

 

[hawkfandan]

would love to see him get out of that organization

I'm sorry I can't hold it in anymore.....

What does that even mean? Would he better off as a Met? ::facepalm::

How does not being a Cub make him a better hitter???? A fielder? Why don't you explain yourself instead of just making asinine comments for once? Get out from under whom - Theo Epstein & Jed Hoyer? What concerns you about the organization? Why would he be better if he left and if so where should he go - please explain oh wise baseball sage. I'm tired of people just posting nonsense to get their post count up. Clearly you haven't watched SC play ball in the least this year. How would he benefit from playing for another organization? Because he doesn't have a 1971 Op-Chee F&*&* baseball card that you can buy and hoard he's useless to you???? Here's a tip - if you don't know what you're talking about...ITS OK TO SIT A THREAD OR TWO OUT!!! (****Not Gilmore approved****). I do it all the time. I know post count is important to you but you don't have to comment on everything. If I wanted uninformed, half cocked opinions I'd go to Blowout. Oy vey.

Skrip - to answer your question....I think he will continue to improve. However, if you listen to sports radio in Chicago I'm sure you've heard the same concerns about him that we all have. Nobody questions his talent (except for TBP????), but apparently he likes to party a little too much and that's having an impact on his game.



#WINNING
#NOICE
#THANKSTOPPS
#OPEECHEE
#COMICBOOKS

 

[Mario1975]

I don't want to speak for anyone but when I read the comment that he'd be better off in another organization there were a couple reasons that popped in my head. One, unfortunately the Cubs don't have the best track record and would hate to see this kid stuck year after year playing for a team that never even gets close to making the playoffs. I think everyone loves to see great players playing in the spotlight and big stage of the playoffs and world series and not playing in meaningless games. Another reason is I really don't remember the cubs developing any young talent in the major leagues except Ryno. Could be wrong but no player comes to mind as thriving and improving while playing for the cubs. Lastly, Castro would be able to develop and thrive better in a lineup that provided him protection and veteran leadership. Having said all that I still prefer he stays with the Cubs and becomes the face of the franchise, that they bring in some good veteran hitters to provide him protection in the lineup and help him develop and that the cubs turn into a perennial powerhouse and world series contender.

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[hofmichael]

I'm sorry I can't hold it in anymore.....

What does that even mean? Would he better off as a Met? ::facepalm::

How does not being a Cub make him a better hitter???? A fielder? Why don't you explain yourself instead of just making asinine comments for once? Get out from under whom - Theo Epstein & Jed Hoyer? What concerns you about the organization? Why would he be better if he left and if so where should he go - please explain oh wise baseball sage. I'm tired of people just posting nonsense to get their post count up. Clearly you haven't watched SC play ball in the least this year. How would he benefit from playing for another organization? Because he doesn't have a 1971 Op-Chee F&*&* baseball card that you can buy and hoard he's useless to you???? Here's a tip - if you don't know what you're talking about...ITS OK TO SIT A THREAD OR TWO OUT!!! (****Not Gilmore approved****). I do it all the time. I know post count is important to you but you don't have to comment on everything. If I wanted uninformed, half cocked opinions I'd go to Blowout. Oy vey.

Skrip - to answer your question....I think he will continue to improve. However, if you listen to sports radio in Chicago I'm sure you've heard the same concerns about him that we all have. Nobody questions his talent (except for TBP????), but apparently he likes to party a little too much and that's having an impact on his game.



#WINNING
#NOICE
#THANKSTOPPS
#OPEECHEE
#COMICBOOKS

Holy XXXXing overreaction Batman!

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[ThoseBackPages]

I'm sorry I can't hold it in anymore.....

What does that even mean? Would he better off as a Met? ::facepalm::

How does not being a Cub make him a better hitter???? A fielder? Why don't you explain yourself instead of just making asinine comments for once? Get out from under whom - Theo Epstein & Jed Hoyer? What concerns you about the organization? Why would he be better if he left and if so where should he go - please explain oh wise baseball sage. I'm tired of people just posting nonsense to get their post count up. Clearly you haven't watched SC play ball in the least this year. How would he benefit from playing for another organization? Because he doesn't have a 1971 Op-Chee F&*&* baseball card that you can buy and hoard he's useless to you???? Here's a tip - if you don't know what you're talking about...ITS OK TO SIT A THREAD OR TWO OUT!!! (****Not Gilmore approved****). I do it all the time. I know post count is important to you but you don't have to comment on everything. If I wanted uninformed, half cocked opinions I'd go to Blowout. Oy vey.

Skrip - to answer your question....I think he will continue to improve. However, if you listen to sports radio in Chicago I'm sure you've heard the same concerns about him that we all have. Nobody questions his talent (except for TBP????), but apparently he likes to party a little too much and that's having an impact on his game.



#WINNING
#NOICE
#THANKSTOPPS
#OPEECHEE
#COMICBOOKS

Get back to me when the cubs win the world series.

 

[hofmichael]

Get back to me when the cubs win the world series.

Damn Eric you just sent someones butt hurt meter fly through the XXXXing roof.

As for Castro,I think the next two years of development are going to be crucial in determining what kind of hitter he will be.if he continues on the pace he is at then an MVP award may be in his future.

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[ThoseBackPages]

Damn Eric you just sent someones butt hurt meter fly through the XXXXing roof.

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Seems so. it's funny, i said nothing negative about him as a player, just would be best playing for a contending organization.

 

[hofmichael]

Seems so. it's funny, i said nothing negative about him as a player, just would be best playing for a contending organization.

Apparently your point was missed by this fellow.

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[ThoseBackPages]

Apparently your point was missed by this fellow.

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i've obviously offended him over an extended period of time. like a pressure-cooker, he had to let off steam. He's been here a long time, no hard feelings.
He used to have that sweet Jordan banner, so there's always Da Bulls!

 

[hofmichael]

i've obviously offended him over an extended period of time. like a pressure-cooker, he had to let off steam. He's been here a long time, no hard feelings.
He used to have that sweet Jordan banner, so there's always Da Bulls!

Agreed. Seems like he has missed the sarcasm in many of your posts. I do think the appropriate response should have been" thanks Topps".

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[nosterbor]

He is young and has a lot of upside. I like him.Thats the type of player you build a team around. Not the Cubs though.

 

[sportscardtheory]

Seems so. it's funny, i said nothing negative about him as a player, just would be best playing for a contending organization.

Can't you say that for any player.

 

[markakis8]

I'm sorry I can't hold it in anymore.....

What does that even mean? Would he better off as a Met? ::facepalm::

How does not being a Cub make him a better hitter???? A fielder? Why don't you explain yourself instead of just making asinine comments for once? Get out from under whom - Theo Epstein & Jed Hoyer? What concerns you about the organization? Why would he be better if he left and if so where should he go - please explain oh wise baseball sage. I'm tired of people just posting nonsense to get their post count up. Clearly you haven't watched SC play ball in the least this year. How would he benefit from playing for another organization? Because he doesn't have a 1971 Op-Chee F&*&* baseball card that you can buy and hoard he's useless to you???? Here's a tip - if you don't know what you're talking about...ITS OK TO SIT A THREAD OR TWO OUT!!! (****Not Gilmore approved****). I do it all the time. I know post count is important to you but you don't have to comment on everything. If I wanted uninformed, half cocked opinions I'd go to Blowout. Oy vey.

Skrip - to answer your question....I think he will continue to improve. However, if you listen to sports radio in Chicago I'm sure you've heard the same concerns about him that we all have. Nobody questions his talent (except for TBP????), but apparently he likes to party a little too much and that's having an impact on his game.



#WINNING
#NOICE
#THANKSTOPPS
#OPEECHEE
#COMICBOOKS

I like Eric and he never said anything bad about Castro, but this was hilarious.

 

[phillyfan0417]

Castro has a change to be a very good player long term and if it hasnt been noticed, seems like the cubs organization is building quite a system.


Good front office staff can do that...

 

[nyc3]

ITS OK TO SIT A THREAD OR TWO OUT!!! (****Not Gilmore approved****). I do it all the time. I know post count is important to you but you don't have to comment on everything.

Great advice, too bad you where not talking to yourself as you should have taken all advice above. I wonder if the hall of shame can be one singular post?

 

[phillyfan0417]

I like Eric but sometimes he makes statements that drive people nuts.

The question wasnt about where he was playing but what people thought of him as a player.

Dan is a good guy and I think he just got a bit frustrated. But I think its funny that Eric would make a statement about an organization when he is a fan of one of the most inept organizations in baseball.

 

[ThoseBackPages]

I like Eric but sometimes he makes statements that drive people nuts.

The question wasnt about where he was playing but what people thought of him as a player.

Dan is a good guy and I think he just got a bit frustrated. But I think its funny that Eric would make a statement about an organization when he is a fan of one of the most inept organizations in baseball.

Sure Phillies fan, take a pot-shot at a Mets fan! Not saying you're not right though lol