Castillo to undergo hip surgery

MIAMI -- Florida Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right hip Wednesday in Pittsburgh to repair a torn labrum discovered during his routine postseason physical.

Castillo is expected to be ready for spring training, the team said.

His hip bothered him much of last season, but Castillo still made the All-Star team and hit in 35 consecutive games, the longest streak in the majors in 15 years. He also stole 48 bases to lead the National League for the second time.

Dr. Mark Philippon will perform the surgery.

Astros coaching staff to return in 2003

HOUSTON -- The staff of manager Jimy Williams, who led the Houston Astros to a distant second-place finish in his first season with the club, will return for 2003.

The team said the entire coaching staff has agreed to new one-year contracts. Williams is entering the second year of a three-year deal he signed before the 2002 season.

Back are hitting coach Harry Spilman, pitching coach Burt Hooton, first base coach Jose Cruz, third base coach Gene Lamont, bullpen coach Mark Bailey and bench coach John Tamargo.

The Astros were unable to overcome a dismal start and finished 84-78, 13 games behind NL Central Division champion St. Louis and 11½ games behind National League pennant-winning San Francisco in the wild card race.

Williams replaced Larry Dierker, who was fired despite leading the Astros to the playoffs in four out of five seasons.

AP NEWS
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