November 16, 2008 Jose Castillo hit two home runs for Caracas of the Venezuelan Winter League on Saturday.
Our View:Castillo remained in the majors for all of last season, but he hit just .246 and could be hard-pressed to find similar playing time this season.
October 8, 2008 The Houston Chronicle reports that Jose Castillo was outrighted to Triple-A on Wednesday. Pitchers Dave Borkowski, Jack Cassel and Ryan Houston joined him in the demotion.
Our View:Castillo hit .246 with six home runs and 37 RBIs in 127 combined games for San Francisco and Houston last season. He came to Houston from the Giants on Aug. 20.
August 23, 2008 Jose Castillo has been recalled by the Astros, according to the Houston Chronicle. He was recently claimed off waivers from the Giants. Castillo is pleased to be a member of the Astros, and said, "I’ve always liked this team. I’ve always had a dream to play on this team. Thankfully, the opportunity to play with the team is here. We’re going to try to do things right and try 100 percent to stay here." Manager Cecil Cooper added, "We all like him at second, but I think he can play third. And we’ll find out if he can play shortstop. It will probably be at home. It will probably be midweek at home, but we’ll find out."
Our View:He is slated to start Sunday at second base, and may start at shortstop Thursday is place of Miguel Tejada as well. Castillo only hit .244 with the Giants this season, but 38 of his 96 hits went for extra bases (28 doubles, four triples, and six homers). His power numbers could increase at home while leaving San Francisco for Houston, and looks to be involved as a utility infielder down the stretch, meaning he is worth a look in larger NL-only leagues.
August 20, 2008 The Astros have claimed Jose Castillo off waivers from the Giants, according to the AP.
Our View:He will report to the Astros Friday. Castillo only hit .244, but 38 of his 96 hits went for extra bases (28 doubles, four triples, and six homers). His power numbers could incease at home while leaving San Francisco for Houston, but may not see enough at-bats to make him worth consideration.
August 14, 2008 Jose Castillo has been designated for assignment by the Giants, according to the Arizona Star. Travis Ishikawa was recalled from Triple-A Fresno.
Our View:Castillo only hit .244, but 38 of his 96 hits went for extra bases (28 doubles, four triples, and six homers). He also scored 42 runs prior to his designation.
