Mets release Luis Castillo

The New York Mets released veteran infielder Luis Castillo today. It was something that had to happen and Oliver Perez should be next on the list although he is still hanging in there trying to win a spot as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen. Castillo will evaluate several options but he told ESPNdeportes.com that he probably won't make a decision before noon on Sunday. He stated "I feel calm, confident that I will be on a major league roster on opening day of the season. Despite all the negative atmosphere of recent days, I'm positive and in the best shape for a long time. He was batting 283 in 28 spring at bats. He was in the last year of a 4 year 25 million dollar deal. The Mets owe him six milliion. He will be able to sign with another team for the major league minimum salary of $414,000. That amount would be deducted from what the Mets owe him. A source said although Castillo hasn't confirmed this that the Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies are all interested in him. Castillo said "Until Sunday I can not talk of contract, but I'm sure I have options. I am not finished as it has been painted. He said he did not hold a grudge against the Mets. "I enjoyed every moment in New York and will always be grateful to the Mets. I have nothing negative to say about the organization. Baseball is a business." He has made three All Star teams and won three gold gloves but he will most be remembered for a dropped pop up in Yankee Stadium that cost the Mets the game. It appears that the Mets will carry two lefties and the last spot in the bullpen may come down to Perez and Michael O'Connor, I don't see how the Mets put Perez on the team, I thought it was more likely for them to keep Castillo. The Mets are going to have to eat some more salary with Perez unless it is so bad they can't afford to do that and they bring him North as a lefty specialist. I just think the fan backlash will be so bad it wouldn't be worth it for them.

New York Mets Notes and Recap

The New York Mets defeated the St Louis Cardinals by a score of 5-4 yesterday. Jon Niese got the start going 2 innings giving up 2 runs, 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. Duaner Sanchez pitched a scoreless inning but gave up 2 walks. On the offensive side Luis Castillo had a hit and a walk, Jose Valentin trying to hang onto his career went 3-4 continuing his hot hitting, Daniel Murphy went 1-5 and left 6 men on base. Brian Schneider went 0-2. Johan Santana is scheduled to throw a bullpen today, the Mets play at home against the Nationals today. Dillon Gee gets the start for the Amazings. He is a well thought of kid. The Mets have had a pretty quiet camp and hope it continues, they have a ton of guys that are gone for the World Baseball Classic and not too much competition for spots going on, the biggest story is Johan Santana and that doesn't seem to be much of a story anymore.

Mets/Cardinals

The New York Mets lost their first game of the spring to the Cardinals 9-8 today. Luis Castillo had his first 0-fer of the spring. Livan Hernandez got the start and pitched 2 perfect innings with 1 K. Freddy Garcia followed him and didn't fare so well giving up 2 hits and 4 runs with 3 walks in 2/3 of an inning. David Wright and Jose Reyes didn't have any hits either today. Ryan Church had a double and Bobby Kielty had a HR. The Mets will play at Lakeland against the Detroit Tigers tomorrow.