Simon Castro

Widely regarded as a top-100 prospect in 2010-11, Castro has fallen from grace as he's risen through the minors. However, he has improved during his time with the Rockies. After not pitching in 2014, the 27-year-old produced a 3.79 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with Triple-A Albuquerque. He managed to get promoted to the majors at the end of the season, but struggled mightily, allowing seven earned runs in just 10.1 innings. He's excellent at striking out batters (11.7 K/9 in Triple-A), but his control leaves something to be desired (3.2 BB/9 in Triple-A). Unless he can improve his control, Castro will have trouble remaining on the 25-man roster this year, let alone seeing time in high-leverage innings.

.

The highlight of Castro's 2013 season was his MLB debut, which consisted of four relief appearances in July. Opposing Triple-A batters hit .321 off him after the White Sox sent him back to Charlotte, and he allowed seven home runs over his final 17.2 innings. His high-90s fastball once helped him post a K/9 in the double digits, but that figure has only been 7.3 in his 153.2 innings of Triple-A ball. The lackluster performance forced the White Sox to outright him off the 40-man roster in November. The former top-100 prospect's standing in the organization is very much in question. He should begin 2014 in Charlotte with the hope he can be redeemed useful as a reliever.

Castro started off strong in the Padres system, but has found success difficult to achieve above the Double-A level. In 2010 he saw his K/BB ratio drop from 2.97 to 1.00 with the move and then from 4.56 to 1.17 in 2011. Consistent delivery and command seem to be an issue for him and while his raw skills are strong, he won't be a factor in the majors unless he can learn to dominate Triple-A hitting. While a potential promotion hinges on his growth in the minors, perhaps his path to the majors becomes a bit easier since being acquired by the White Sox in the Carlos Quentin deal this offseason. Chicago's farm system is pretty barren and a strong showing in Triple-A could accelerate Castro's advancement.

When you talk about the top pitching prospects in the Padres' system, you talk about Castro. At 6-foot-5 and 211 pounds, he possesses a mid-90s fastball, slider, and changeup. At Double-A San Antonio he had a 2.92 ERA with a 2.97 K/BB ratio and .226 batting average against in 129.2 innings. He got a taste of Triple-A action late in the season and got hit around. He should start the 2011 season back at Triple-A Portland, where he'll work on his off-speed pitches and wait for a midseason callup. Those in keeper leagues should take notice of Castro's potential, as a 2011 debut is possible.

It took four seasons for this young Dominican righty to be turned loose on a full-season league. When he was, he showed that the Padres' careful handling of him had paid off, posting the best rates of his career. At 22, he could make a real move upward next season. Get him before anyone notices, because he's a rare prospect in this system with star upside.