So Taguchi to Philly, Luis Castillo to Florida

So Taguchi signed a one-year contract with the Phillies this weekend, bringing some versatility to the Philadelphia outfield.

The veteran, who can play all three outfield positions, hit .290 for the St. Louis Cardinals last season, leading the National League with a .406 average as a pinch hitter.

[Sports Network] | [Rockin' the Red] | [The Zo Zone]



In other NL news, Venezuelan infielder Jose Castillo signed a free-agent deal with the Florida Marlins on Monday, with the terms of his contract still undisclosed.

Castillo, 26, played both second and third base for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, batting .244 with 24 RBIs.

[MLB.com] | [Honest Wagner] | [Fish Stripes]

Castillo Gets $1.9 Million From Pirates

The last arbitration-eligible Pittsburgh Pirate, second baseman Jose Castillo, agreed Wednesday to a $1.9 million, one-year contract with plate appearance incentives.

Castillo hit .253 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI in 2006, struggling though the last month of the season when he went 8-for-73 (.110) with two RBI and two extra-base hits after Sept. 1st.

Because of that slump, he will be battling Jose Bautista for a starting infielder's job during spring training. The backup third baseman hit .235 with 16 homers and 54 RBI in 117 games with the Bucs last season.

[MLB]