Tigers Prospect Nick Castellanos Learning from Al Kaline

Blocked by the slugging Miguel Cabrera at the Major League level, Detroit Tigers prospect Nick Castellanos is trying to make the transition from third base to the outfield. He was recently given assistance from a legend in Al Kaline, a Hall of Famer who is regarded as one of the best defensive right fielders in baseball history.

A supplemental first rounder (44th overall) out of high school in 2010, the 20-year-old Castellanos spent three days absorbing instruction from the Tigers great on the nuances of playing the position. He is also working with Tigers roving minor league outfield instructor and former big leaguer Gene Roof.

Regarded as the Tigers’ top prospect by MLB.com, and ranked No. 12 on Baseball America’s 2012 Mid-Season Top 50 Prospects List, Castellanos has a .296 average with six home runs and 22 RBI in 257 plate appearances at Double-A Erie. The Futures Game MVP also hit .405 with a 1.015 OPS in 243 plate appearances at advanced Single-A Lakeland earlier this season.

Moving Castellanos from the hot corner was not a reaction to how he was playing there, Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told the Detroit Free Press.

“He would have been a good third baseman as time progressed, but with Miguel playing third base and Prince (Fielder) signed for an extended period, and having Victor (Martinez) as our DH over the next couple years when he comes back, we were in a position where (Castellanos) would be ready to play in the big leagues before that time frame was up,” Dombrowski said. “That’s why we approached him about it and he was very eager to do it.”

With the success 20-year-old phenom Manny Machado is having with the Baltimore Orioles after his recent promotion from Double-A, some Tigers media members and fans are wondering if the team will do the same with Castellanos.

The Orioles were getting little production from their third base spot, which prompted them to summon Machado, who plays shortstop and third base. Detroit’s outfielders features Quintin Berry, Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Andy Dirks and recently acquired utility man Jeff Baker. Ryan Raburn is currently on the 15-day disabled list.

As of Monday, Tigers’ right fielders were hitting a combined .231, and Tigers manager Jim Leyland has told reporters that he will only bring in September call-ups who will contribute. and not just be around for Major League experience.

With players like Machado, Mike Trout and Bryce Harper posting impressive numbers in the bigs at a young age, it is not far-fetched for the Tigers to believe that Castellanos can help their playoff push even before rosters expand on September 1.

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