December 06, 2003
Castilla in Colorado?
Looks like Vinny Castilla is going to return to the Colorado Rockies. The hold right now appears to be the Braves; the Rockies are waiting to see if the Braves offer Castilla arbitration. If they don't the Rockies won't have to give up a draft pick. It's an example of a player wanting to be closer to home.
"I hope this works out," Castilla said. "My wife (Samantha) is from here. The in-laws are here. There are a lot of advantages to staying here to play."
Samantha is expecting the couple's third son in February, and their boys attend school in the Denver area. Goldschmidt declined to answer when asked if the Rockies have made a contract offer, and Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has talked diplomatically about landing Castilla. However, multiple industry sources said the club is confident they can sign the fan favorite, who hit 22 homers for the Braves last season.
He actually may help the team as well, as Castilla had 14 win shares last year vs. Stynes' 10.
He also had a lot of success there in the past. I have a theory that fastball hitters are particularly suited to Coors Field because curve balls don't break as well there. I think Castilla is a good signing, depending on how much money they're spending.
