Jose Castillo signs with Nationals—thanks, Santa!

December 25, 2:25 AMSF Baseball ExaminerClaire Reclosado

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Jose Castillo commits an error against the Chicago Cubs
(Jeff Chiu, Associated Press)

While the New York Yankees were adding to their pricey arsenal, one of the 2008 San Francisco Giants’ failures was signed by the Washington Nationals to a minor league contract.

At least Jose Castillo won’t be in a Giants uniform as he lets attainable ground balls roll past him.

Castillo, who played 112 games for San Francisco in 2008, manned third base for 103 games and committed 15 errors. His sub-par defense accentuated the void that was left by Pedro Feliz—who eventually earned a World Series ring with the Phillies.

There were moments when Castillo’s bat made up for his defensive deficiencies, but those moments seemed more like dumb luck as the season progressed. Luckily, Pablo Sandoval was called up and Castillo’s appearances decreased. On August 13, the Giants released the 27-year-old, who was picked up by the Houston Astros on August 20.

Castillo became a free agent at the end of the season and was signed by the Nationals on Dec. 23.