Joe Castle - The Unknown Vet - 2032

[JohnC]

Montreal

Everywhere he goes, all he seems to do is hit. From his 3 years in the EBA where he posted home run seasons of 42, 31, and 39, Joe Castle just quietly goes about his business. He arrived in the BBA in 2029 where he played very little in Edmonton, which is about the only place he hasn't hit. Playing in only 51 games with 142 AB's, he slashed an ugly .169/.248/.261. Doubts started to creep into everyone's mind as to weather Castle could handle the pitching in the BBA. "I just wanted a chance to play more. It was a tough adjustment to go through. I was playing 5-6 times a week in Belfast, and then 1-2 a week in Edmonton", said Castle. Edmonton chose not to re-sign him and he became a free agent. That offseason he signed a 1 year deal to play in Las Vegas. That is where things seem to turn for the better for Castle. In 2030 he belted 15HR's and had 43RBI's to go along with his .304AVG in only 191 AB's. Huge power numbers when you consider the fairly limited playing time. He thought he had established himself as an everyday player but in 2031 with LV he was back to sitting on the bench. He appeared in only 37 games and struggled to find his stroke. Once again he was not signed and became a free agent. Castle was a guy that Montreal targeted very early in free agency and he was signed to a 1 year deal on Dec-6th/2031. "We were looking for some power and he was a guy that we thought could offer more with an opportunity", said GM Callahan. It has certainly paid off for Castle and the Blazers. So far this season he has hit 15HR's, and drove in 53. Along with that he has hit a respectable .275 and posted a 1.9WAR. He is clearly on pace for his best season in the BBA and a bargain at $1.6m per season. At 36yrs old it is not clear if he will be back with the Blazers next season, but he has certainly once again proved his value.