Font ResizeYork lost arguably its best starting pitcher after leaving Frank Castillo unprotected in the Atlantic League expansion draft. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs selected Castillo, one of five former major leaguers picked by the Crabs in the draft.
But after talking with Revolution Director of Baseball Operations Adam Gladstone, it's understandable why the team did not protect him. The Crabs only acquired the rights to Castillo and six other players, and its possible Castillo will not even pitch in the U.S. this year.
"We didn't want to utilize a pick on a guy who, based on his numbers, has a legitimate opportunity to play in an organization (this season)," Revolution Director of Baseball Operations Adam Gladstone said. "And (Frank) has a desire to pitch overseas."
Castillo did have other issues. He will turn 39 in April, and he broke down late in the year with a shoulder strain.
But the sticking point appeared to be Castillo's willingness to play outside the country. Mexico and Taiwan are destination leagues for players with quality Atlantic League numbers, because a player can earn more money than fighting for the $3,000-a-month maximum salary guideline adopted by most teams in the
A former major leaguer, Castillo has the name recognition to sign a contract overseas if that's what he wants.
Castillo pitched the Revs into playoff contention last season. He pitched shutouts, he ate up innings, and - in a league known for its offense - baffled opposing hitters, including major league veterans.
He became the Revolution's stopper.
Castillo no longer possesses the velocity he displayed when he broke in with the Chicago Cubs in 1991, but he knew how to pitch, compiling an 8-4 record with a 3.75 ERA. In 11 of his 16 starts he pitched seven or more innings. And in 10 starts he limited the opposition to less than three runs.
After spending a year away from baseball, Castillo joked that his wife wanted him out of the house. He also missed the game.
"I just got the itch to pitch and compete," Castillo said in August. "You can only get that feeling so many times from playing golf."
Other than Castillo, the Crabs drafted RHP Eric Junge (2-2, 3.69 ERA) from Bridgeport; LHP Anthony Ferrari (13-5, 4.82) from Camden; 1B/OF Eric Crozier (.240 avg.) from Lancaster; LHP John Halama (8-10, 4.14) from Long Island; LHP R.J. Swindle (1-0, 1.93 ERA) from Newark; and OF Mike Lockwood (23 HRs, 92 RBIs) from Somerset.
"I probably would not come back to the Atlantic League, even though I enjoyed it," Lockwood told Ryan Dunleavy of the Courier News. "If I can't get a look (from a major-league organization) with the year I had last year ... nothing is ever going happen (at) my age."
It's possible that most of the players drafted will never suit up for the Crabs. The Revs only managed to sign three of the players they drafted in last year's expansion draft. And one player - pitcher Pete Hartmann - did not arrive in York until the final weeks of the season.
"On paper," Gladstone said, "it's a great draft. But it all depends how many players have a desire to play in the league."
Notes: AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com reported that former Revs utility player Ramon Nivar has signed with the San Diego Padres organization. A former major leaguer who batted .306 in 69 games for York, Nivar was released by the Revs in the middle of a playoff race. At the time Gladstone did not want to comment on the matter. "He had a desire and need to go home and get ready for winter ball," Gladstone said Tuesday. "Once the focus of a player is not on the team here, I believe it's better for those players to attend to their personal matters." ... The Revs expect to sign a player from last weekend's tryout in Arizona later this week. ... The Revs will hold their hot stove reception Feb. 6 with special guests Jim Palmer, Ken Singleton, Justin Singleton, Tike Redman, Chris Hoiles, Ryan Minor and Mike Bordick. ... The Revs first tryout for local players will be April 5 at Sovereign Bank Stadium. Contact the team for more information at 801-HITS.
Reach Jim Seip at 771-2025 or jseip@ydr.com
BLUE CRABS' DRAFT LIST
From Bridgeport: Eric Junge, RHP (2-2, 3.69 ERA)
From Camden: Anthony Ferrari, LHP (13-5, 4.82)
From Lancaster: Eric Crozier, 1B/OF (39 games, .240 avg.)
From Long Island: John Halama, LHP (8-10, 4.14)
From Newark: R.J. Swindle, LHP (1-0, 1.93)
From Somerset: Mike Lockwood, OF (.278 avg., 23 HRs, 92 RBIs)
From York: Frank Castillo, RHP (8-4, 3.75)
