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Cincinnati Reds: Top 5 shortstops over the last 50 years

10 Oct 1995: Shortstop Barry Larkin in action during the Reds 2-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT
10 Oct 1995: Shortstop Barry Larkin in action during the Reds 2-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT /
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16 Jun 2001: Second baseman Juan Castro #12 of the Cincinnati Reds tries to tag out outfielder Chris Singleton #12 of the Chicago White Sox as he slides towards the plate at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeat the Reds 4-2. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport /

4. Juan Castro (2000-2004, 2006-08)

Juan Castro made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995. Primarily a shortstop with the Dodgers, Castro also played second and third base during his four seasons in LA. The Mexican-born infielder played for 5 different Major League teams during his 17-year career.

Castro came to Cincinnati just before the start of the 2000 season. With Barry Larkin firmly entrenched as the Reds’ starting shortstop, Castro was used primarily as a utility infielder during his first stint in Cincinnati. During the 2003 season, Castro hit .253 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs. At the time, those were all career-highs for Castro.

The Minnesota Twins signed Castro during the 2005 season, but the following year, having seen what life was like without Barry Larkin, the Reds traded for Castro, sending a minor league prospect to the Twins in return.

Castro was never electric with the bat but was always consistent with the glove. The Reds plugged Castro in at shortstop more often than not, and he committed only 1 error at the position over the last three years he was in Cincinnati.

Juan Castro bounced around with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles over the final four years of his career. His .977 career fielding pecentage at shortstop is actually higher than that of Dave Concepcion (.971) and Barry Larkin (.975).

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