Update 5:00 PM
Jon Heyman of SI.com added some new information ands confirms the earlier report that the Mets and Rockies are talking about Luis Castillo. But more interesting than that, is his feeling that Mets hitting coach Howard Johnson “appears to be in some jeopardy” of losing his job.
Regarding Castillo, a person connected to the Rockies says they are “not even close” to having enough money to afford Luis Castillo, and that the Mets would have to take on a considerable portion of Castillo’s salary for a deal to go down.
Finally, Luis Castillo has been scratched from tonight’s lineup because he continues to be bothered by a bone bruise. Alex Cora will replace him at 2B and bat second in the order.
Original Post 4:00 AM
Mets Shopping Luis Castillo To Rockies
In a post to his blog on FOX Sports, Ken Rosenthal writes that the Rockies are looking to upgrade from utility man Melvin Mora and are in the market for a second baseman.
He says that the Mets have already contacted Colorado to discuss a possible deal for second baseman Luis Castillo. It wouldn’t be the first time Omar Minaya has attempted to unload the still unpopular veteran who happens to be a little banged up right now and didn’t play in last night’s game.
Castillo is batting .256 with 10 RS, 11 RBI, 5 SB and a .341 OBP.
Rosenthal believes that the Mets would pick up the $12MM still owed to Castillo for this season and 2011 because they want to clear the way for Daniel Murphy to play at second base.
Murphy is recovering from a knee sprain and is currently playing in rehab games. The Mets plan to turn him into a super utility player.
I don’t know if Omar could pull it off, but if he can I’d be thrilled.
