Release of popular Castilla was 'difficult' for Padres

By: BRIAN HIRO - Staff Writer | Wednesday, July 19, 2006 10:42 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Bruce Bochy called it as hard a meeting as he has had to conduct in his 12 years as Padres manager.

After the Padres' 10-6 win over Philadelphia, Bochy summoned Vinny Castilla into his office late Tuesday night and told the veteran third baseman with 16 seasons of experience and 319 career home runs that his services were no longer needed.

"It doesn't get more difficult than that," Bochy said. "It's been a pleasure and an honor to manage Vinny. That part of the game is always the hardest part."

Seeking more offense at an offensive position, the Padres officially released the 39-year-old Castilla on Wednesday to create roster space for pitcher Mike Thompson, who started the series finale against the Phillies.

Castilla will clear waivers on Friday, leaving him free to sign with any team.

In the short term, third base will be shared by Mark Bellhorn, who started Wednesday for the fifth time in eight games, and Geoff Blum. But general manager Kevin Towers confirmed that the Padres are talking with numerous clubs about trading for a third baseman, possibly before the July 31 nonwaiver deadline.

"I don't think it's a necessity. It has to be the right guy," Towers said. "There are a few players out there, but most clubs are not looking for prospects. They're looking for major-league arms. We don't want to weaken another area. If we make a deal, preferably it would be for someone we'd control beyond this year."

That could eliminate a rumored option like Houston's Morgan Ensberg, who's due to become a free agent after making $3.8 million this season. Ensberg, who has an injured shoulder, is eligible to come off the disabled list next Wednesday, but he has lost his job to the recently acquired Aubrey Huff.

Padres players hope another move is coming, because many didn't endorse the release of Castilla. He had struggled mightily at the plate ---- batting .232 with four homers and 23 RBIs in 254 at-bats ---- but was solid afield and beloved in the clubhouse.

"I don't like it, obviously," said right fielder Brian Giles, whose locker is next to Castilla's. "I think he's a good player and good for the clubhouse. It's frustrating for many guys in here because everyone looked up to him as a leader."

No one more so than first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. The 24-year-old grew up in Tijuana idolizing Castilla, who's the all-time leader among Mexican-born players in most offensive categories. Gonzalez said Castilla went from an icon to a close friend after both represented Mexico in the World Baseball Classic in March.

"Vinny is a guy we all adore," Gonzalez said. "More than anything, it's his great personality. He came in with a big smile every day, no matter what he did the game before."

Castilla, who wasn't available for comment Wednesday, is owed $3.2 million by the Padres this year. They acquired him from Washington last November in a trade for pitcher Brian Lawrence.

"Vinny knew he wasn't swinging the way he normally does," Bochy said. "I think he could see that something was going to happen."

Short hops

Padres general manager Kevin Towers is in the market for a relief pitcher in addition to a third baseman. He said he doesn't plan to trade setup man Scott Linebrink, who has attracted serious interest from several clubs. ... 2B Josh Barfield went 0-for-4 to drop his July batting average to .500 (28-for-56).