That was quick: Phillies release Luis Castillo

The Luis Castillo experiment didn't last long. According to the Phillies beat reporters, the team has released Castillo, who they signed 10 days ago to a minor league contract. His release guarantees that Rule 5 pickup Michael Martinez makes the team and opens up a spot for either Delwyn Young or Pete Orr to earn the final bench spot. Look for Wilson Valdez to get the majority of starts at second base until Chase Utley returns.

Castillo didn't have a terrible showing with the Phillies but clearly the team feels comfortable with their other options at second base. Given that bringing in Castillo for 10 days barely cost them anything, it still didn't hurt for the Phillies to at least see if the veteran had anything left in the tank. He apparently didn't and now we all don't have to force ourselves to root for the former Met.

Phillies sign fomer Met Luis Castillo to minor league deal

With Chase Utley still ailing, the Phillies have made a move for some insurance, signing former Met second baseman Luis Castillo to a minor league contract, according to Jim Salisbury of CSN. While Castillo is so washed up that the Mets released him even though they owe him 6 million dollars, the Phillies are hoping he could be a possible fill-in until Utley is ready to play.

Castillo will never be confused with a good hitter, and, at age 35, is well past his prime, but he is above average in the field and is certainly an upgrade over the Phillies other backup second base options. Castillo has lost a step or two due to some foot issues but he still has a bit of speed and can get on base at a decent clip. He will likely be competing with Josh Barfield for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

With Castillo only signing a minor league deal, this signing really comes with no risk. Should Castillo have one last good year left in him, the Phillies will look like geniuses; should he fizzle out and not make an impact this year, the Phillies won't be paying him much, anyway. If you can get over the fact that Castillo was a Met for four seasons, you'll see a player that could be a minor contributor at virtually no cost to the Phillies.