Apologies for the continued absence of comments, archives, etc. I’m banging on as many doors as possible but to little effect. It’s really weird not being able to hear what you guys have to say about stuff. And when I say “it’s really weird” I mean it stinks. I have no idea when things will be fixed, but I’ve got a contingency plan ready for Friday’s IGD if needed. It won’t be pretty, but MacGyver would be proud.

Anyway, time to fire up some Cocteau Twins and settle into rant mode…

There is no sugarcoating this one: Vinny Castilla has been a disaster in every way imaginable. He doesn’t walk, he doesn’t hit for batting average, and his power is gone. Castilla’s line this year is .232/.261/.321 in 246 at-bats. As a point of reference, Rey Ordonez hit .254/.292/.324 in 460 at-bats in 2002.

Castilla has the lowest P/PA (3.01) among the 202 big-leaguers this year with 250 or more plate appearances. Only Clint Barmes, Angel Berroa, and Yadier Molina have posted a lower RC/27 than Castilla (2.61). Although Castilla’s hyperaggressive approach may have worked in the past, it clearly is not working now. An adjustment would seem to be in order, but if it hasn’t happened yet, who’s to say it ever will?

On defense, Castilla still displays sure hands and a true arm, but whatever range he once had is gone. He’s better than Joe Randa, and that’s about as backhanded a compliment as I’ll pay someone.

Castilla seems like a really nice guy, but right now he is taking up valuable space on a big-league roster that would be better occupied by just about anyone with a pulse. He is a luxury the Padres cannot afford.

Mark Bellhorn and Geoff Blum have seen some action at the hot corner, but neither has made a great impression in limited duty. We’ve mentioned Justin Leone and Paul McAnulty as possibilities, but this more accurately reflects the desparate nature of the situation than any genuine belief that either of them is the answer.

Aubrey Huff has been plucked from Tampa Bay by the Astros, but there are other names out there still. A few Ducksnorts readers have suggested setting up a lemonade stand outside Petco Park to help the Padres raise enough money to trade for a big-league third baseman. It’s a worthy cause, but if it doesn’t work, I stand by my offer to play third base for food.

I may not be able to handle the position, but I’m pretty sure I can eat.

Grade: F