Durango53
09-02-2006, 10:50 PM
Vinny Castilla, dreams of continuing to be the center of more such scenes someday as a Major League manager.
Castilla will join the Rockies in a player development capacity after the season. He'll work as an instructor at Spring Training 2007 and plans to travel and work with young players in the farm system starting next season. His playing career is ending, but he's excited about his new beginning.
"No doubt, I would love to be a manager in the big leagues, but I know it's a long road," Castilla said.
"That's the thing, if a guy that's made as much money as Vinny has is willing to work his way up through the Minor Leagues and become a manager, and he may be that guy," Rockies first baseman Todd Helton said. "I'll tell you what, he's got the personality. He can do a lot of good things."
It's not as if coaching is his only post-career option. Padres Spanish broadcaster Eduardo Ortega describes Castilla, a longtime friend, as a gifted broadcaster. Castilla has worked World Series telecasts for years.
Castilla has spent the latter part of his career with an eye toward his next career chapter.
Castilla rejoined the Rockies for a strong 2004.
During that season, the Rockies broke in Castilla's replacement, Garrett Atkins. Throughout the season, Castilla offered his personality and information about hitting and fielding -- he always had a strong, accurate arm, and used his knowledge to make up for declining range -- to younger players. Atkins was no exception.
"He was always real nice to me," Atkins said. "He didn't treat me like a guy who was going to take his job. Besides, he was having a great year. He tried to help me out. We actually sat next to each other on the team plane for a while. He was just a funny guy."
This is a great story. Vinny could make a great coach and let me tell you I am looking forward to seeing him here next year so I can cheer him again.....:thumbsup:
Castilla will join the Rockies in a player development capacity after the season. He'll work as an instructor at Spring Training 2007 and plans to travel and work with young players in the farm system starting next season. His playing career is ending, but he's excited about his new beginning.
"No doubt, I would love to be a manager in the big leagues, but I know it's a long road," Castilla said.
"That's the thing, if a guy that's made as much money as Vinny has is willing to work his way up through the Minor Leagues and become a manager, and he may be that guy," Rockies first baseman Todd Helton said. "I'll tell you what, he's got the personality. He can do a lot of good things."
It's not as if coaching is his only post-career option. Padres Spanish broadcaster Eduardo Ortega describes Castilla, a longtime friend, as a gifted broadcaster. Castilla has worked World Series telecasts for years.
Castilla has spent the latter part of his career with an eye toward his next career chapter.
Castilla rejoined the Rockies for a strong 2004.
During that season, the Rockies broke in Castilla's replacement, Garrett Atkins. Throughout the season, Castilla offered his personality and information about hitting and fielding -- he always had a strong, accurate arm, and used his knowledge to make up for declining range -- to younger players. Atkins was no exception.
"He was always real nice to me," Atkins said. "He didn't treat me like a guy who was going to take his job. Besides, he was having a great year. He tried to help me out. We actually sat next to each other on the team plane for a while. He was just a funny guy."
This is a great story. Vinny could make a great coach and let me tell you I am looking forward to seeing him here next year so I can cheer him again.....:thumbsup: