Marlins second baseman Starlin Castro earned three of his 4 profession All-Star picks as a Cubs shortstop earlier than being traded to the Yankees after the 2015 season. His three-hit recreation in opposition to the Cubs Wednesday gave him 1,477 profession hits — barely a month after he turned 29. Castro spoke with Cubs beat author Gordon Wittenmyer on Tuesday at Wrigley Field on the ninth anniversary of a heralded Cubs debut that included a three-run homer and three-run triple.
You know that is the anniversary of your debut?
Starlin Castro: Oh, yeah. It’s a special occasion for me yearly. I keep in mind that morning when my [minor-league] supervisor referred to as me and stated they’re going to name me as much as the massive leagues. I simply attempt to maintain it in my thoughts to always remember simply
how particular that day is for me and my household.
It has been greater than three seasons, and also you’ve been with
two groups since then, however how a lot do you continue to take into consideration your time with the Cubs?
Starlin Castro earned three of his 4 profession All-Star picks as a Cubs shortstop earlier than being traded to the Yankees after the 2015 season. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP
SC: Always. Rizzo, Baez, Strop, Bryant. We name one another on a regular basis. I miss these guys. That’s the group [coming up] when the Cubs have been getting actually good. When they have been in Miami, we have been hanging out. It’s all the time enjoyable for me to see them once more.
Does it nonetheless hassle you that you simply have been traded?
SC: I really feel like I’m all the time going to understand town and that staff, whether or not [they] traded me or don’t commerce me. I could be upset when it occurs, however I can’t have that in my thoughts
ceaselessly as a result of I can’t management that.
Do you ever really feel such as you need to show anyone incorrect or
present what they gave up by buying and selling you?
SC: Nah. The solely factor we will management is to organize each
day to play and do our job and assist the staff.
What are your ideas on the suspension and circumstances surrounding Addison Russell, the man who took your shortstop job in 2015?
SC: I heard about that, however I didn’t actually concentrate.
I haven’t learn any information about it.
You ought to have 1,500 hits in a matter of weeks, and also you don’t flip 30 till subsequent 12 months. Do you suppose a lot about 3,000 hits?
SC: Oh, yeah. It could be superior. As lengthy as I maintain wholesome and do my job, then it’s about taking part in. Just are available right here daily and attempt to do my job.
What’s subsequent for you? This is the final assured 12 months of your contract. Has the membership talked in any respect about your [$16 million club] possibility 12 months or an extension?
SC: No. I strive to not put any sort of stress on myself eager about it. I simply play my baseball, babe — come right here daily and attempt to do my job. Let’s see what occurs.
How do you have a look at free company, particularly after the gradual markets the final two winters?
SC: It’s type of scary to be trustworthy with you, how baseball goes proper now. But the one half that I can management is simply
to do my job. I are available right here and attempt to assist the staff and
attempt to have a great 12 months, and no matter occurs, occurs.”
You obtained a pleasant cheer from the group your first at-bat of the sequence. Do individuals nonetheless know you round city?
SC: When I obtained out of the resort as we speak I noticed a pair guys there, and so they have been cheering for me, and right here [at the ballpark] yesterday earlier than the sport. People nonetheless keep in mind me. It’s actually cool. I take pleasure in coming [back] right here. This is my favourite place.” V