Marlin Purge Continues With Castillo Deal

By Chris Kline
December 2, 2005

The Marlins continued their payroll purge Friday, this time dealing second baseman Luis Castillo to the Twins for righthanders Travis Bowyer and Scott Tyler.

In Castillo, Minnesota gets a switch-hitting leadoff hitter who should provide plenty of opportunities for Torii Hunter and Joe Mauer to drive in runs in 2006. A slap hitter with speed, Castillo fills a crucial role for the Twins as a top-of-the-order threat. He works deep into counts, is an excellent bunter and two-strike hitter. He doesn't strike out much, and though he battled leg injuries in 2005, he still hit .301 in 439 at-bats and posted a .391 on-base percentage. He has had more walks than strikeouts each of the last three seasons.

The homegrown 30-year-old was one of the most productive players in Marlins' history. A three-time Gold Glove winner, Castillo was signed by Florida out of the Dominican Republic in 1992, making him the last original Marlin. He brings championship experience to the Twin Cities, as two World Series rings come along with him. He’s signed through 2006 with $5 million owed to him next season, with a club option for 2007 and a $500,000 buyout.

In return, the Marlins get Bowyer, a fireballing righthanded reliever whose fastball tops out at 98 mph, and Tyler, who finished the year at high Class A Fort Myers. Bowyer, a 20th-rounder in 1999 who fought his way onto the 40-man roster last winter, saw his profile rise markedly after a strong showing at Triple-A. He pitched in the Futures Game, earned a September callup and went to the Arizona Fall League this season. He might have the biggest fastball in the system, having touched 100 mph in Arizona and pitching at 95-97 mph. The pitch has late life and boring action, but too often it’s the only pitch he can command. His slurvy breaking ball isn't close to being a finished product and his changeup has all but disappeared--though that was what he went to Arizona to work on. He ended up allowing 28 hits in 15 Fall League innings.

The jury is still out on Tyler as well. A second-rounder in 2001, Tyler is physically imposing with a large, stiff 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame, and he continues to struggle with his delivery and command. He battled knee problems in 2005, leading to questions about his durability and strength. When he's healthy and on his game, Tyler pitches at 92-94 mph with a hard curve and decent changeup. He throws from a three-quarters arm slot, which doesn't take advantage of his height. While he's been primarily a starter for the majority of his career, a move to the bullpen might be his best option.