New York Yankees Planning to Play Starlin Castro at Third Base?
The 2016 MLB Spring Training is set to start in just a week with the New York Yankees possibly trying to have Starlin Castro play third base, as reported by CBS New York. The 25-year-old Castro is a natural shortstop but was moved to second base towards the end of the season with the Chicago Cubs.
According to New York Post, Castro only played 38 games at second last year and the Yankees general manager thinks he can play and thrive at third. Cashman acquired Castro for reliable reliever Adam Warren and utility man Brendan Ryan this offseason that upgraded the second base position filled by Stephen Drew in 2015.
"I don't think so, he has played on the left side of the infield. At short there would be no problem. Third base would be a question. If he can, he can. If he can't, he can't. That's what spring training is for, exploring options. We will find out," Cashman said.
The New York Post noted that if Castro can be good at third, it will open up a spot in the everyday lineup for 2009 second overall pick Dustin Ackley, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners at last season's trade deadline. The 28-year-old can also play backup to Mark Teixeira at first base, but the Yankees would want his left-handed bat that produced a .288 batting average, four home runs and 11 RBIs.
The LoHud Yankees Blog notes that if Chase Headley is healthy, he will be the everyday third baseman. The blog also points out that Castro could platoon at third or have either Pete Kozma or Donovan Solano as the 25th man on the roster.
If Castro plays good at third, the Yankees can also play Rob Refsnyder at second and platoon him with Ackley. Ryan Hatch of NJ Advance Media says that Castro can form a solid middle infield with DiDi Gregorious, who is the second-best efficient defender in the American League.
Hatch adds that the Yankees should prioritize Castro to practice playing second base more rather than have him learn another position inside a full year. Hatch also said that it's been a while since the Yankees have a pair of 26-year-olds playing the middle infield.
However, there are still questions about Castro's bat despite being named an All-Star thrice in his first six seasons in the majors. He has a career average of .281 with 62 home runs and 363 RBIs but also has 587 career strikeouts, per Baseball Reference.
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