MILWAUKEE — Starlin Castro looked and sounded relieved after the trade deadline. Maybe this non-move helps the Cubs get their All-Star shortstop back (or lay the groundwork for a blockbuster deal this winter).
“I don’t want to go (anywhere),” Castro said after driving in two runs during Friday’s 4-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. “It got me a little frustrated, just thinking about this. Now it’s over. Just try to finish my season strong.”
This has been an all-around disappointing season for Castro, who stood in front of his locker inside Miller Park’s visiting clubhouse and admitted that he needs to show something to Joe Maddon’s coaching staff and Theo Epstein’s front office.
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“I don’t really watch TV or (follow) rumors,” Castro said. “Sometimes people — even family — call me and tell me: ‘Hey, we see in the news…’
“That’s why I say: ‘Don’t call me for that.’ Just try to keep it away. I don’t even use my Instagram anymore, because the fans (message) me and say: ‘Hey, you might be traded.’ I don’t want to see this.
“But it’s over now. Just keep fighting and try to finish strong."
MLB
Castro still being in a Cubs uniform probably says more about his trade value and the lack of interest rather than a vote of confidence from Epstein’s baseball operations department.
“He’s a good player who has not had a good season,” Epstein said. “The best thing we can do is support him and try to put him in a position to turn his season around as quickly as possible.
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“These things usually even out over the course of a season. Or if not, they start to at least turn around at some point. And he’s got a chance to make a real positive impact over the last couple months.”
That’s what drives Castro, who’s hitting .237 with a .574 OPS and working hard to find his way out of this. He snapped his fingers, knowing he’s a streaky hitter who can change the conversation by getting hot again.
“I’ve done it before,” Castro said. “In one month, this season can be great.”