Castro returns to Sox
The White Sox re-signed Ramon Castro on Tuesday to serve as the backup catcher to A.J. Pierzynski.
Castro, 33, signed a one-year contract for $800,000 to return to the White Sox. The deal includes a team option to keep Castro for $1.2 million in 2011 or pay a $200,000 buyout.
Castro joined the Sox on May 29 in a trade that sent pitcher Lance Broadway to the Mets. In 31 games for the Sox, Castro hit .184 with four home runs and 12 RBIs. On defense, he committed three errors and threw out 10 of 33 baserunners for a 30 percent success rate.
The clear highlight of Castro's season was catching Mark Buehrle's perfect game. The Sox might rely on Castro to spell Pierzynski once or twice a week, which would allow catcher/designated hitter prospect Tyler Flowers to focus more on hitting as he aims for a spot on the major league roster.
To make room for Castro on the 40-man roster, the Sox designated catcher Cole Armstrong for assignment. Armstrong hit .252 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs in 69 games for Triple-A Charlotte in 2009.
-Tom Musick
