Thursday, April 30, 2009

Jays Prospect Watch: pitcher Fabio Castro

The Blue Jays could potentially have pulled off a heist in the deal that sent Matt Stairs to the Philadelphia Phillies last August. In that swap, Toronto acquired left handed pitcher Fabio Castro, and the results thus far have been very encouraging.

The clubs brass has decided to try the 24 year old prospect out as a starter with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in Class-AA. In four starts, the former Phillie is 2-0, with an amazing ERA of just 0.83! The southpaw has allowed just 2 runs in 21.2 innings, while striking out 24 against 3 walks. Castro was named the Eastern League pitcher of the week on Sunday.

Despite his young age, Castro has some major league experience. In 2006, he appeared in 20 games between Texas and Philadelphia, and the following year, took part in 10 games, starting one with the Phillies.

At the time of the Jays acquired Castro, he was considered a mid-tier prospect. With his early success in 2009, Castro has served notice that he's a player worth keeping an eye on.

Tallet tagged for 10 runs in Royals rout

After putting together a pair of solid starts as a member of the Jays starting rotation, it all came crashing down like a ton of bricks on Brian Tallet Wednesday night against Kansas City.

The Royals teed off on the lanky left hander , sending him to the showers early after four awful innings. Tallet was lit up for 10 earned runs by a previously anemic Kansas City attack. He did not look pretty, serving up three home runs, giving up 11 hits in all. With the pathetic performance, his season ERA spiked from 2.95 to 6.45. All this from a guy who turned heads after surrendering just 1 run in his first two starts since 2006.

Funny how one disgusting outing can change the perception of a player. Before Wednesday, he was the toast of the team, particularly because of his amazing mustache. After this evening, the naysayers will point to this outing by Tallet in saying the Jays starting rotation is too shaky to compete in the American League East.

He'll bounce back. After all, could it get much worse?