Mets manager Terry Collins does not want to see second baseman Luis Castillo on the Opening Day roster, a baseball insider tells Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. Collins, the source says, wants to limit the drama around the club and releasing Castillo potentially helps that cause.
Collins may not get his way as the decision is not solely his. One rival executive believes that the skipper will get his way and Castillo won't be with the team by the end of Spring Training. Meanwhile, scouts say Castillo is the best candidate to man second base, partly because his competition is less-than-fierce.
Even though Castillo might not have the manager's support, Rule 5 pick Brad Emaus has a backer in team executive J.P. Ricciardi. The 24-year-old infielder hasn't impressed so far in the Grapefruit League.