Everybody seems to be searching for more information about Jason Castro and they are getting to this blog, so I thought I would write a quick update on what information I know.
Is he still interested in signing with the Astros?
Yes.
Are the Astros still interested in signing him?
YES!
Are the Astros even trying to sign him?
Yes, I believe it is one of Ed Wade’s and Bobby Heck’s number one priorities this month.
Why is there such a delay?
Originally, the Astros had to wait until Stanford was out of the College World Series before they were allowed to talk to Jason. Assuming they gave Jason a night to recover from the Standford loss, they wouldn’t have approached him until June 23. That means that we are in day 19 of negotiations. As of July 9, the Astros have made an offer to Jason and are now awaiting a response from him, his family and his adviser, Steve Hilliard.
Is there any other news? Anything at all?
On his radio show yesterday, Charlie Pallilo commented that the signing was imminent. He expected that there would be an announcement next week.
That’s it?
Ed Wade had this to say: “We’re continuing to make progress on it, literally. It’s hour-to-hour at this point in time. We’re going to remain optimistic that we’re going to get him out in the system sooner rather than later.”
Is there any chance that Jason Castro wouldn’t sign?
There is always a chance, but I doubt it will be a problem. He was a junior at Stanford, he was excited to be the Astros pick and it sounded like he was going to sign. He could go back and play his final year with Stanford. They had a good team and might return to the College World Series. However, what are the odds he will be picked higher than number ten in the draft? There were two catchers picked above him, so that feasibly leaves 29 teams who might be interested in picking a catcher next year. That is assuming he doesn’t get hurt and doesn’t have a terrible 2009 season. Being the number ten pick with a team that has a great fan base that is known for having good pitching talent AND NEEDS a catcher is a good opportunity for Jason. I don’t think he would find a better one next year.
Do you have a nickname in mind for him yet?
It’s almost too easy…
- Castro the Astro
- The Castros (especially good if we ever get another Castro on the team)
- Castronomical
- Catchstro
- Jason Astro
- Jason and the Astronauts
- Astro Idol
Write your suggestions below.
The Daily Astros Update 