Bernie Castro

Castro's terrific minor league season was cut short in August 2003, when he went down with a torn ACL. Up to that point the Triple-A Pacific Coast League All-Star had hit .309 with 49 stolen bases (102 the past two seasons). With Mark Loretta and Ramon Vazquez in front of him, and top prospect Josh Barfield closing from behind, his future is likely that of a utility-man who can offer blazing speed off the bench. The Padres have discussed working him out at the other infield positions to facilitate this, and we'll wager a guess that he'll begin this process with Triple-A Portland in 2004.

Castro swiped 53 bags for AA Mobile in 2002 and recorded a solid 52/67 BB/K ratio. He only hit .260 last season, so there are some concerns about his ability to make contact. At 22, he’s entering the prime of his prospect status. It’s not too late for Castro to carry early-season hitting magic into the summer and validate his prospect status, but the likelihood here is that Castro becomes a late-inning pinch runner/defensive replacement type. And even that won’t happen for a couple more seasons.