Ismael Castro

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #14 prospect in 2003
  Castro was named Northwest League MVP and led the league in runs, hits, doubles, total bases and extra-base hits while making his U.S. debut in 2002. He doesn't rate higher on this list because of the skepticism about his listed birthdate. That would have made him 18 for much of his breakout season, but he's physically mature and looks at least a couple of years older. Castro is a purely offensive player whose bat will have to carry him. He's only average defensively and probably is limited to second base. He's a switch-hitter who uses a compact swing to generate pop to all fields. He uses a line-drive approach and lets his power come naturally. Castro is a solid average runner whose lone offensive weakness at this point is his inability to draw walks. He'll be tested with his first extensive stint in full-season ball in 2003. If he passes, he'll rank much higher a year from now.

• December, 2002 Scouting Report
  Castro was named Northwest League MVP and led the league in runs, hits, doubles, total bases and extra-base hits while making his U.S. debut in 2002. He doesn't rate higher on this list because of the skepticism about his listed birthdate. That would have made him 18 for much of his breakout season, but he's physically mature and looks at least a couple of years older. Castro is a purely offensive player whose bat will have to carry him. He's only average defensively and probably is limited to second base. He's a switch-hitter who uses a compact swing to generate pop to all fields. He uses a line-drive approach and lets his power come naturally. Castro is a solid average runner whose lone offensive weakness at this point is his inability to draw walks. He'll be tested with his first extensive stint in full-season ball in 2003. If he passes, he'll rank much higher a year from now.