Mets release 2B Castillo, still owe him $6 million

[March 19, 2011]  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- The New York Mets have released much-maligned second baseman Luis Castillo despite still owing him $6 million on this year's contract.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told Castillo on Friday. Team ownership approved the move.

The 35-year-old Castillo is a three-time All-Star and won three Gold Gloves. But his range has diminished and Mets fans never forgave him for dropping a potential game-ending popup by Alex Rodriguez in 2009, a misplay that let the New York Yankees score two runs to win.

Castillo was booed by Mets fans earlier this week after he was slow to cover first base during an exhibition game.

Castillo was among five candidates for the second base job this spring, a list that still includes Luis Hernandez, Daniel Murphy, Justin Turner and Brad Emaus.

[Associated Press]

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