Days after cutting ties with utility infielder Eric Bruntlett, the Phillies were on the verge of securing his replacement.
Juan Castro, a 37-year-old free agent and veteran of 15 major league seasons, was close to signing a contract with the Phillies, his agent said Nov. 24. Castro must only pass the Phillies' medical tests, which will be administered after the Thanksgiving weekend, before an agreement is reached. The sides are believed to be discussing a one-year deal worth less than $1 million.
"We're just a physical away from getting this done," Oscar Suarez, Castro's Arizona-based agent, said by phone. "He's excited about joining the Phillies. It's tough to leave an organization like the Dodgers, but if you're joining the Phillies, maybe it's not as tough."
The Phillies don't comment on potential free agent signings until after a physical is passed, but general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed the club has been speaking to Suarez. Castro was on vacation in Mexico and was slated to take a physical in Philadelphia upon his return.
After the Phillies removed Bruntlett from the 40-man roster and granted him free agency Nov. 16, Amaro said the club would prioritize defense in its attempt to rebuild the bench. Castro meets that qualification. He's a versatile defender who can play each infield position and has most of his experience at shortstop and second base.
Jimmy Rollins has played an average of 155 games over the past nine seasons. Chase Utley has played an average of 151 games over the past five seasons. Utley, in particular, has worn down in the second half, batting only .246 after the All-Star break in 2009.
Thus, the Phillies have been looking for a utility infielder who would be an upgrade over Bruntlett and could spell Rollins and Utley.
"The main thing, if you're Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley and you're coming out of the game for whatever reason, is you want to make sure the guy defensively can pick up the ball and throw it over," Suarez said. "If you look at the Phillies' bench the last couple years, there really hasn't been a true shortstop."
Castro, who made $700,000 in 2009, drew interest from several teams, including the Dodgers, Suarez said. He batted .277 in 57 games last season for Los Angeles. Of his 29 starts, 19 came at shortstop, eight at second base and two at third base, and he batted .266 (25-for-94) as a starter. He's a .230 hitter in 15 seasons with the Dodgers, Reds, Twins and Orioles, and at this point in his career, he is more eager to win a World Series than be an everyday player.
"The biggest thing he said to me is, 'I want to be on a winning ballclub,'" Suarez said. "When you're a young guy, 21, 22, you're excited to be in the big leagues. When you're older, July and August and September and October mean a lot to you."
The Phillies still have two more bench spots to fill, including finding a backup catcher.
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