The Houston Astros selected San Diego State third baseman Erik Castro in the 10th round (311th overall) of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft. (Photo by Glenn Connelly/SDSU Athletics)
SAN DIEGO -- Third baseman Erik Castro has spent the past two seasons at San Diego State University learning from Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior third baseman hit .389 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI, including a .490 on-base percentage for the Aztecs this season.
He transferred to SDSU after playing one season at the University of Arizona. During his sophomore season, Gwynn converted Castro from third base to catcher.
Without prior experience behind the plate, he accepted his new role by distinguishing himself as a top-notch defensive catcher.
Castro recorded a .991 fielding percentage over 37 games, committing just three errors in 351 chances.
He became a reliable catcher for the Aztec pitching staff, especially for Stephen Strasburg, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft.
Overall, opposing base runners feared his presence behind the plate as Castro nailed 21 out of 50 runners (42 percent) attempting to steal. Not only did he excel defensively, the Fallbrook, Calif., native significantly improved his offensive skills.
He increased his batting average by 44 points from .253 at Arizona to .297 his sophomore year with SDSU. Castro's overall improvement correlates with Gwynn's philosophy toward hitting. It's not often that young ballplayers get an opportunity to learn from a legendary icon.
Castro knew his ticket to being drafted was to continue improving his game under the direction of Gwynn. The former San Diego Padres superstar elected to move Castro back to third base for his junior season.
SDSU finished the 2009 season with an impressive record of 41-23, including a berth to an NCAA Regional for the first time in 18 years. Despite being eliminated by host UC Irvine, the Aztecs concluded the season with a .291 team batting average.
Houston Astros assistant general manager in charge of scouting Bobby Heck took notice of Castro based on the recommendation of Southern California-area scout Doug Deutsch, which led to him being drafted in the 10th round (311th overall) of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.
Recently, the 21-year-old third baseman spoke with Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff about the thrill of being drafted by the Astros, his relationship with Gwynn, being teammates with Strasburg and his overall experience at SDSU.
Q: Where were you the moment the Astros drafted you?
A: Actually, I was at home in Fallbrook, Calif. with my family. Doug (Deutsch) called me and said the Astros just drafted me in the 10th round.
Q: Did you have an idea prior to the draft that Houston could be a possibility?
A: I definitely knew they were interested. I've known Doug since high school. He's always shown a strong interest in me, especially after playing catcher last season. He scouted several of the SDSU games this season. It was a pleasant surprise to find out the Astros drafted me.
Q: Talk about your relationship with Tony Gwynn. What has he done to improve your game, especially offensively?
A: My freshman statistics at Arizona compared to this season demonstrates my growth and maturity as a hitter. I've gotten to learn from Coach Gwynn the past two seasons. I'm a different hitter -- a better hitter. I went from hitting .253 as a freshman to batting .389 this season. He's a born leader and a positive role model for collegiate and young ballplayers.
Q: Did Gwynn offer you advice after you got drafted?
A: We talked on the phone. He called me and wished me the best of luck. He also let me know that there's a place on the team if I choose to return my senior year.
Q: Who are some of your other positive influences at SDSU?
A: Definitely our third base coach Mark Martinez. He works with the infielders and helps to improve our swing. I've always had a great relationship with Coach Martinez.
Q: SDSU received a great deal of media exposure this season, particularly Strasburg. Discuss the impact of being teammates with the top MLB prospect in baseball history?
A: Stephen is great on and off the field. He's an intense competitor, a stellar teammate and always puts the team first. I had the pleasure of catching him last season, His work ethic, determination, passion and talent defines him. Without a doubt, he should excel in the majors. The Nationals drafted a winner.
Q: Describe your experience at Fallbrook High School?
A: Fallbrook is a special place to me. My coach, Matt Parker, played an instrumental role in my development. I had a great senior year and was recruited by Cal State Fullerton, Arizona, UC Irvine and SDSU. Also, Hall of Fame outfielder Duke Snider lives in Fallbrook. The high-school field is named after him. He attends the games. I have the pleasure of knowing and receiving advice from him.
Q: Do you believe you're ready to make the jump to professional baseball?
A: Absolutely. I would like to begin my professional career. We'll see what happens. If the signing bonus is right, I'll accept it and begin playing in the minors. If not, I'll return to SDSU for my senior year and try to improve my draft status next year.
Q: What is something unique you can offer to the Astros organization?
A: My versatility. I can play both third base and catcher. Also, I will probably learn to play first base at some point. I'm very coachable and eager to learn. I consider myself a patient, middle-of-the-lineup hitter who hits for average, power and utilizes the gaps.
Q: What areas do you need further improvement?
A: There's always room for improvement. I don't possess great speed. I'm not going to steal a ton of bases in my career, so I need to make sure I run the bases well.
Q: Discuss your short and long-term goals?
A: I want to sign and play professional baseball. I'm ready to play in the minors. I intend to learn, grow, climb the ladder and drive in runs. In the long-run, I want to be am impact player on the big league level. I would like nothing more than to be a productive player for the Houston Astros.
Comments
eric castro is my nephew i'm the only family member who has not seen eric play ever (HE WILL BE A IMPACT PLAYER IN THE BIG LEAGUES BELIEAVE ME)..........
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