Levine: Castillo Will Catch On Somewhere

By Bruce Levine-

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) --Having three catchers on a 25-man roster just isn't realistic for any major league team. Roster spots are at a premium in this time of eight-man bullpens. The Cubs now have an excess of big league-caliber catchers with the additions of Miguel Montero and David Ross.

With the new duo behind the plate in 2015, incumbent Welington Castillo appears to be the odd man out. A trade at some juncture seems probable, but the possibility of a three-man catching staff is just that, according to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein.

"He will not be going back to the minor leagues," Epstein said on 670 The Score's "Inside the Clubhouse' on Saturday. "We could go with three catchers."

"We will see how the spring progresses and make our determination at the appropriate time."

The 28-year-old Castillo has been lacking consistency behind the plate and at bat. Castillo's framing of pitches and pitch selection has been subpar, according to team officials. Some believe that he's a bit sensitive when it comes to critics' analysis of his weak points. Castillo's batting average dropped off by 37 points from 2013, falling to .237 in 2014. The on-base percentage was under .300 as well last season.

Castillo has plenty of upside, including hitting a career-high 13 home runs in 380 at-bats last year. He also possesses a strong arm and great attitude. Castillo threw out 32 percent of would-be base-stealers, throwing out the third-most runners in the National League.

As well-liked as anyone on the team, Castillo works at a breakneck pace before and after games on conditioning.

"My plan is to come to spring training and keep working hard as I always do," Castillo told reporters Friday. "I will just try to get better and let the front office do their job. I can't control it."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.