6 years agoSan Diego Padres relief pitcher Jose Castillo could have the stuff (fastball/slider mix) and demeanor to be the team's future closer. He has a 2.45 ERA and has allowed 16 hits in 33 innings while striking out 35 percent of the hitters he faces. "The scary thing is he's still learning, still getting better," said pitching coach Darren Balsley. "He'll learn how to get hitters out, instead of just throwing the baseball with good stuff. He's smart. He has an intellect. He's a good self-evaluator. ... The sky's the limit with him." Castillo also ranks 32nd in the league in swinging-strike rate (15.8 percent) and 30th in average exit velocity (84.8 mph). In the last three weeks he's allowed two hits and two walks while striking out 13 in 9 2/3 frames. Castillo will be one to keep an eye on early next season for those speculating on saves in deeper leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell