Ismael Cruz

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Northwest League #3 prospect in 2002
  Castro slumped late in the season and fell to fifth in the Northwest League batting race, but managers agreed he had the most advanced offensive skills in the league. Whether or not he was actually 19 was a hot topic, as many noted his physical maturity and advanced skills at the plate. Mariners assistant farm director Greg Hunter insists Castro's age is legitimate to the best of the organization's knowledge. The Colombian showed a quick bat, a compact swing that allows him to stay inside the ball, and power to all fields. While he won't be a big home run hitter, Castro lashes line drives from foul line to foul line and has a mature approach at the plate, leading to a league-best 26 doubles and third-best .507 slugging percentage. He was named league MVP. "What's most important for me, though, is the way he plays second base," Yakima manager Mike Aldrete said. "He's squatty and thick, but he's athletic, has good hands and turns the double play well. He pretty much does everything, and does everything well."

• December, 2001 Scouting Report
  Castro slumped late in the season and fell to fifth in the Northwest League batting race, but managers agreed he had the most advanced offensive skills in the league. Whether or not he was actually 19 was a hot topic, as many noted his physical maturity and advanced skills at the plate. Mariners assistant farm director Greg Hunter insists Castro's age is legitimate to the best of the organization's knowledge. The Colombian showed a quick bat, a compact swing that allows him to stay inside the ball, and power to all fields. While he won't be a big home run hitter, Castro lashes line drives from foul line to foul line and has a mature approach at the plate, leading to a league-best 26 doubles and third-best .507 slugging percentage. He was named league MVP. "What's most important for me, though, is the way he plays second base," Yakima manager Mike Aldrete said. "He's squatty and thick, but he's athletic, has good hands and turns the double play well. He pretty much does everything, and does everything well."