Jerry Manuel has tried to bolster Luis Castillo's confidence this spring with constant praise and attention. Castillo's two hits in the Mets' Grapefruit League opener Wednesday likely had a far more uplifting effect than any words from his manager.
Castillo, installed in the leadoff spot by Manuel after an offseason in which the Mets were unsuccessful in trading him, drove in four runs in a 9-3 victory over the Orioles at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Castillo, who dropped 17 pounds this winter, did just what his manager wanted. He aggressively drove an opposite-field double over shallow-playing left fielder Luke Scott's head in the fourth to drive in two runs. Continue
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