Erik Castro

In the summer of 2005, Castro starred at an Area Code preliminary event at LMU. He flashed a powerful throwing arm from right field, and blasted several wood bat shots out of the yard in BP to both left and right field. Castro's below average speed (around 7.3) made it difficult, however, to find an appropriate defensive spot for him. After a freshman year at the University of Arizona, Castro transferred to San Diego State and found a comfortable home behind the plate. Scouts have rediscovered him this year as Stephen Strasburg's catcher. In that role, there is no doubt that Castro's glove is well broken in. Scouts have been impressed with Castro's ability to "stay with" Strasburg's phenomenal stuff. Certainly, Castro does not figure to catch anyone in pro ball whose pitches are quite as lively. In addition, Castro has improved his footwork and release, and combined with his strong arm he is able to consistently fire the ball down to second in the 1.95 to 2.00 range. Maintaining his ability to utilize the opposite field, Castro has been SD State's top hitter this year, a rarity for a backstop. Lefthanded hitting catchers with quality hit, catch and throw abilities are rare in any draft, and Castro has found his niche.