After trading Geovany Soto to the Texas Rangers in 2012, the Cubs need to fill the void he left. Soto was not living up to his early success and a move needed to be made, which the Chicago rightly did. Following the departure, Wellington Castillo stepped up to fill the void and earned the starting job for next year. While Steve Clevenger will make a capable backup, Castillo needs to be the everyday catcher come 2013.

In the most action that Castillo has ever seen in a big league season, the catcher compiled a .265 average while belting five home runs in 170 plate appearances. Following Soto's move to Texas in the end of July, Castillo saw his playing time increased, and it was during this time that he asserted himself as the starter. Over August and September Castillo batted .300 and .290, respectively, providing a stable bat in the Cubs' offense over the final two months of the season. In a position which is measured more so by fielding than average, Castillo went above and beyond when wielding the bat. If he can put together those kinds of numbers throughout the course of a full season, the Cubs may be able to utilize him the same way Soto was used during his prime years.

When it comes to fielding Castillo was solid in his 46 starts, committing just seven errors for a .981 fielding percentage. While it would be nicer to see that number slightly higher, he should only continue to learn once he can settle into a consistent starting role. Castillo also did a fine job in keeping runners in check on the base paths, as he nabbed 11 of the 44 runners who attempted to steal a base. His .250 caught stealing percentage was good enough for 23rd out of 50 catchers in the National League.

By establishing himself as the full time catcher Castillo will also be able to develop a better rapport with his pitching staff. He has been bouncing up and down Cubs farm systems since coming to Chicago from the Padres 2006. Naming Castillo the starting catcher will allow him to fully prepare for the 2013 season, knowing that his position is safe.

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