Starlin Castro shines in debut

Let the buzz for Starlin Castro begin. The Cubs rookie shortstop, just 20, had a sparkling major league debut Friday night going 2-for-5 with a triple, home run and six RBIs. The homer came in his first at bat. Don’t get excited over the power because Castro hasn’t shown much in the minors.

In 26 games at Double-A this season, Castro hit .376 with 20 runs, eight doubles, five triples, one home run, 20 RBIs and stole four bases in nine attempts. He struck out 11 times and walked nine. Between Class A and Class AA last season, Castro hit .299 with 56 runs, 23 doubles, six triples, three home runs, 49 RBIs and stole 28 bases in 39 attempts with a 53/29 K/BB ratio.

Keep in mind he’s just 20 and there will be some struggles. He should be added in NL-only leagues and keeper leagues and maybe in some deep mixed leagues. Castro can supply some speed, although he needs to be efficient in stealing bases, and a decent average, but the power won’t be much. Alcides Escobar of the Brewers has a similar profile and had some at-bats last season and he is hitting just .235 with one home run and 10 RBIs. He has no stolen bases in one attempt and the steals is why owners drafted him. Castro will likely hit eighth in the lineup and won’t get many pitches to hit.

The addition of Castro moves Ryan Theriot to second base, so he will soon have eligibility at second base and shortstop.