By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com | @CarrieMuskat | + 10 COMMENTS
Why have the Cubs seemingly given up on Welington Castillo? He's a great catcher who can throw and hit. I've heard that he doesn't frame pitches well enough. That's irrelevant considering they signed a 40-year-old catcher who can't throw or hit and his sole purpose was to catch Jon Lester, who is struggling.
-- Trevor K., Omaha, Neb.
If the Cubs had given up on Castillo, he wouldn't be on the roster. And if David Ross wasn't with the Cubs, Castillo might be catching twice a week rather than once. Miguel Montero has had the biggest impact among the three catchers -- I haven't heard pitchers gush about a catcher in a long time the way they talk about Miggy.
Manager Joe Maddon compliments Castillo often regarding his blocking ability, how he's contributed off the bench, and how he seems to be doing a great job with Travis Wood. As for Ross, he does a lot more than catch Lester. He's like an extra coach for the young players and a big reason for the good vibe in the clubhouse. Ross, 38, and Montero, 31, are older, and the Cubs don't have much depth at the position in the Minor Leagues. They need to keep Castillo, 28, who is out of options.
http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/121490632/cubs-inbox-are-the-cubs-down-on-welingon-castillo