Starlin Castro's Defensive Conundrum

Starlin Castro has five errors already on the season and, as the Tribune pointed out this morning, is on pace for 57 this season. To be fair, he just happens to be the worst defender (for his position) on a miserable defensive lineup. Maybe he has just been jumpy about his impending charges from the wenches of Rush Street. But this young man (still just 22) has averaged an error every 4 1/2 games on his career thus far, something inexcusable if he is to put up superstar-esque WAR going forward. At what point does Cubs management begin to experiment with Starlin at other spots on the diamond?



Castro's All-Star level ability at the plate (.307 BA, 3.8 oWAR in 2011, .352 with a 121 OPS+ thus far in 2012) warrants a blind eye to his questionable defensive prowess thus far. However, to break through to even annual All-Star WAR level of 5+ WAR, Starlin must become at least a replacement level defensive player--he simply doesn't have the power potential to overcome -2 dWAR year after year. Thus, will the Cubs give him the remainder of the year to continue developing at short or will they experiment by giving him reps at 2B or in the outfield?

Castro has considerable range, above-average speed, and outstanding (albeit extremely unreliable) arm strength and could probably cover any of the outfield spots at least at league-average levels. However, Starlin would lose considerable value playing anywhere away from shortstop, widely considered the toughest defensive position on the field outside of catching. Especially at the corner outfield spots, Castro's bat becomes much more average for the position and his lack of power leaves a hole in the lineup that likely would not be filled by potential middle infield replacements.

Therefore, the decision might not be a full-time shift to another position. The experiment may simply be late-inning moves out to LF when a lead allows or a jump over to second for a spot start. Where he settles on defense will have a major impact on the value of any trendy early extension the Cubs are expected to offer Castro in the near future. The position of the one true cornerstone for this franchise will also go a long way in the shaping how Theo and Jed mold this roster into contenders through the next few seasons.  Thus, keep an eye on the left side of the diamond and the right side of the box score this season to get a better idea of whether Castro can fulfill his potential as an MVP on the Northside in years to come.