STARLIN CASTRO & WHAT THE FUTURE BRINGS

(Sept. 28, 2016 - Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America)

Despite people’s objections in the beginning, there's a true importance of having Starlin Castro at second base for the New York Yankees. Admittedly, when the Yankees made the trade last season, some people were skeptical. I get that. The Yankees traded a very serviceable pitcher in Adam Warren. They also include, at the time, one of their best options at second, Brendan Ryan. If you read BYB as much as me, you know how this site backed Ryan, not only as being underrated, but just a good, solid guy. That being said, when those 2 were shipped off to Chicago, the Yankees got Castro in return. They were thrown into the mix with rookie Rob Refsnyder who, the Yankees now seem intent on making a future utility player.  But back to Castro for a moment...

(Sept. 28, 2016 - Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America)

Many suggest  that Castro hasn’t been the best move but, he certainly hasn’t been the worst either. I mean, think about it... His fielding has been average, as has his bat. But there are positives. He did hit for a career high 21 home runs for instance. On a team lacking the power, that was a plus. My point is,  if those home runs for Castro don't happen, he is just an average player. It sounds harsh, but it's just reality.  

(Sept. 13, 2016 - Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

The truth is he's been average in the field, and so I ask what exactly is the importance of him playing second base anyway? Well, at 2nd, you need someone serviceable. Would you have agreed with giving Cano a ten year deal going into his age 31 season? I personally don’t believe that would have been smart. With what the Yankees are trying to do it, it would be foolish, and so, Castro is actually a smarter move than many believe... he fits the mold right now as to what the Yankees were trying to accomplish.

(Sept. 6, 2016 - Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America)    

Heading into the 2017 season, Castro will be 27. 2016 was his first full year at second. He's being molded into what we need and with Didi Gregorius at SS, 2017 could in fact be a better season for Castro.  More familiar, more comfort and confidence to come.

Photo: MiLB.com

Looking back on the deal and all the Yanks are trying to do, I like Castro there. It can only get better. Not only that, we have Gleyber Torres waiting in the wings.  An important piece while we continue to mold Major League ready Castro.

The bottom line is Castro is now a good serviceable stopgap until Gleyber Torres is ready. The Yankees, with a couple other deals, now boast the leagues best farm system and so the possibilities are endless.

The Yankees have the farm and the ability to still compete until the kids are ready. Castro is clearly a placeholder and that's OK.  He has the ability and I look forward to a better 2017 season. And so in the end, I say good job Brian Cashman.

We're staying young, and the Yankees are being smart... smarter than many think. I like that.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Writer