Redman and Castillo

Ed Eagle answers questions.

Some points to look at:

The team's biggest concern with Redman is his defense in center field. Although he has improved in this area since 2001, Redman still has a tough time getting jumps on balls hit toward the gaps. There were several occasions last season when this turned what would have been outs for most center fielders with Redman's speed into doubles or triples that rolled into the North Side notch at PNC Park. It also doesn't help that Tike possesses a below-average throwing arm.

If Redman repeats this performance in 2005, and if Matt Lawton is half as bad, defensively, as some Cleveland fans claim, can you imagine the number of triples we'll see in 2005? Yikes. I expect Lawton's offense will more than compensate for whatever deficiencies appear in his defense. I'm less confident with Tike Redman. Also:

In my opinion, Castillo is more talented than the other two and he should have no problem keeping his job as the starting second baseman. I expect Castillo to be the team's most improved player in 2005. He is already an excellent defensive player and his bat showed signs of increased power potential at the end of last season and during his time in the Venezuelan Winter League.

If Castillo doesn't jump forward this year, I expect it will happen next year. He's the guy I'd pick as the biggest breakout candidate too. But the odds of a real breakout can't be more than 1 in 3 or 1 in 2.