MILWAUKEEGetting through to Starlin Castro came up when Dale Sveum pursued this job last fall.
Cubs executives knew all about Castro spacing out during an ESPN Sunday night game last season. They wanted a manager to create a culture of accountability and preparation.
So when Castro forgot how many outs there were on Monday, Sveum called it the last straw, but ultimately didnt bench the All-Star shortstop. And its Sveum who has final authority over the lineupnot the front office.
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That was something we talked about during the interview process, general manager Jed Hoyer said Wednesday. (Starlin) already had that Bobby Valentine moment where he missed the pitch.
We were hoping that wed never have another incident, but we did, and thats why you hire a manager. Thats the managers job.
If the players feel like were managing that, I think it totally undercuts Dale. So Dale did that on his own and I think he struck the perfect tone.
Sveum and team president Theo Epstein have already denied the USA TODAY report that Castro could be had for two impact prospects. Hoyer thinks it would be wrong to connect those dots.
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Its frustrating, Hoyer said. You dont want that. Its certainly something that hes going to have to get beyond in his career. But as far as he fits into our plans, hes a huge part.
Hes a shortstop that can hit and can run and hes getting better defensively. Those are hard to find. You look around baseball and almost every time we play another team we have the better shortstop on the field. Thats a great feeling to have.
Before his 22nd birthday, Castro led the National League in hits and played in the All-Star Game. Hes hitting .310 at a premium position, and is generally viewed as a good worker whos coachable. But there are only so many teaching moments left.
The media certainly likes playing up these showdowns. As the Cubs try to rebuild, Sveum and Castro will be tied together, for better or worse.
Dale has really struck the perfect tone with Starlin: Hey, I like you, I get it. But its gonna have to stop, Hoyer said. Thats a big part of why we hired Dale. I think he can strike that balance and I dont think Starlin resents him for it. Starlin understands.
Maybe that was a good thing that happened in the long run. Im hopeful thats the case. Sometimes you have to make mistakes and learn from them and maybe that sort of straw that broke the camels back from Dales perspective (ends) up being a big positive.