Ramon Castro

Castro has only played in 68 games since coming over from the Mets during the 2009 season. That number does not figure to increase by too much in 2011 with A.J. Pierzynski back to fill the starting catcher role and Tyler Flowers waiting in the wings. Castro hit eight home runs in 115 at-bats in 2010 so there is some power potential should he find some playing time.

Castro came to the White Sox from the Mets in late May and he only saw 76 at-bats over the season’s final four months. He hit four home runs in Chicago, but the team let him file for free agency. He should land elsewhere in a backup catcher role.

Castro strained his right hamstring in early March, which forced him to miss the first five weeks of the season. He saw minimal action until July - mostly versus lefties - but had a big month and appeared ready to take over as the team's top backstop, before another injury sidetracked him. That sprained ankle and then a strained left quad limited him to 35 at-bats over the final two months of the year. Castro has shown the ability to hit, but each time he has a shot at more playing time, an injury sidelines him. He'll enter spring as the Mets' second catcher with a shot at more action if he can stay healthy.

Castro set a new career-high in home runs and would have established the same in RBI, but lower back arthritis sidelined him for six weeks beginning in August. The 11 home runs came in just 144 at-bats but his back ailment is one that may not fully go away, which could adversely affect his overall numbers this year. Castro signed a two-year, $4 million deal to remain with the Mets and will back up Brian Schneider, but if he proves he is healthy and Schneider's offensive woes continue, Castro could see more time behind the plate than he has in the past.

The acquisition of Paul Lo Duca cut into Castro's playing time as expected, but it was a strained rib cage muscle coupled with a sprained MCL and torn medial meniscus suffered prior to a rehab start that required surgery that really cut short his season. Those injuries cost him three months of action, which resulted in his getting just 126 at-bats. Look for that number to rise this season as manager Willie Randolph rests Lo Duca more often to play Castro.

Castro exceeded all expectations as Mike Piazza's backup last year, with most of his damage coming in July and August before he wore down due to the workload. Furthermore, he did a solid job of putting his off-field difficulties behind him, becoming a valued member of the team's clubhouse. The signing of Paul Lo Duca will reduce his role somewhat, but since Lo Duca often wears down late in the year, expect Castro still to see a decent amount of playing time.

Castro finally got his shot to prove he belonged in the majors, but instead played his way out of the big leagues. His off-field legal troubles undoubtedly played its part, but that certainly isn't going to encourage another team to give him a chance. At 29 he's still young enough to get it together, but just barely.

With Pudge Rodriguez in town, Castro managed just 53 at bats before running into legal trouble during an August road trip to Pittsburgh. In theory, the starting catcher's job is his to lose this spring, and with 300-plus at bats he could strike for 20 or more homers, but that assumes he has his freedom.

Put up some impressive minor league numbers, but Castro has never had the playing time or sustained health to produce in the majors. With Charles Johnson out of the picture, 2003 will be Castro's chance -- maybe his last -- to prove he belongs. He could be the best $1 player taken in your auction.