Nick Castellanos was promoted from Advanced-A Lakeland to Double-A Erie of the Eastern League tonight. That's wonderful news for Castellanos, I'm sure. Not that I've been in Florida in June and July, but I imagine the temperatures are somewhat similar to the steam coming out of a tea kettle. So going north has to be a good thing from that stand point.
Also because he needs new challenges. Heading into Monday, Castellanos was batting .403 with 17 doubles, three home runs and three triples. He also walked 22 times, for a .461 OBP to go with .553 slugging average. In other words, the third basemen kicked butt in the Florida State League and completely deserved the promotion.
The problem is that some people are getting ahead of themselves when it comes to Castellanos, and some are trying to make him something he isn't. The 20-year-old's promotion to Double-A only perpetrates that.
Three things to remember: 1) He's not going to be a second baseman, 2) He's not a quick fix for Detroit 3) He's not going to be traded for the first second baseman that becomes available.
Ceding the floor to Paul Wezner of the Tigers minor league site TigsTown.com:
Nick Castellanos. Is a Third Baseman. Will finish 2012 in Erie. Will be "ready" around September 2013. #Tigers. Not trade bait /end
— Paul Wezner (@TigsTown) June 5, 2012
Folks, Castellanos has LOTS of work to do still, just because he's hitting in High-A doesn't mean big leagues are right around the corner
— Paul Wezner (@TigsTown) June 5, 2012
On Castellanos, now headed to Erie; He's a 3B, not 2B. If that doesn't work, will try LF. Bat impressive, defense needs work. ETA Sept 2013
— Paul Wezner (@TigsTown) June 5, 2012
So, it's exciting that the Tigers have a real wonderful player down on the farm who should help the team in the future -- just not as soon as some people seem to think.