Jason Castro

Former American Idol, Jason Castro, recently released a single, called Let’s Fall in Love Again that is optimistic and pretty good.  This is a good sign for his soon to be released album. It showcases a talent in the singer that did not quite shine on the popular singing talent show.  Looks like another Idol success story.

Update: Josh Vitters has been scratched from tonight’s game. Baltimore Orioles’ 3B prospect Josh Bell will replace Vitters on the East roster. Bell was traded to the Orioles in the deal that sent George Sherrill to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bell is expected to compete for the Orioles’ starting third base job in spring training and is a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2010.

Original Post

Here is what I wrote back in June after I had just done a recap of the major league draft:

“Here is my suggestion for Bud Selig in order to give the draft some juice. Unless you are a real die hard baseball, other than Stephen Strasburg, you don’t know 99 percent of the players drafted in the first round.

“The MLB Network should show a high school or college “Showcase Game of the Week.” Once a week broadcast a game that features a projected first round pick. This will allow fans to get to know some of the players their team is interested in. I think this will really help the draft.”

Major League Baseball and the MLB Network has followed my suggestion–to an extent. Since we are there is no high school or college baseball to showcase right now, the MLB Network has decided to do the next best thing.

Tonight at 8:15 ET, the MLB Network will televise the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game. This is exactly what I was talking about when I suggested the MLB Network show a rising stars game for high school and college players.

This is really great for the game of baseball.

This will allow fans a chance to see some of the future stars of the game. How often do casual fans get to see their teams top prospects play before they reach the major leagues?

Now that the MLB Network is televising this game, who should you be looking for? Here are 10 players in tonight’s game that you should keep an eye on.

East

1. Buster Posey, C

Organization – San Francisco Giants

Arizona Fall League Stats – .218/.317/.364 in 14 games

Posey was called up by the Giants in September, but for reasons only known to the Giants organization he didn’t play much. In seven games, Posey only hit .118 with the big club.

Don’t be fooled, this guy can hit. All signs point to Posey being the Giants’ starting catcher in 2010.

2. Josh Vitters, 3B

Organization – Chicago Cubs

Arizona Fall League Stats – .360/.385/.460 in 12 games

The former No. 3 pick in the 2007 draft has been tearing up the Arizona Fall League. Vitters should be ready to take over the starting third base job in Chicago once Aramis Ramirez is done with his contract after the 2011 season.

3. Grant Desme, OF

Organization – Oakland A’s

Arizona Fall League Stats – .373/.453/.827 in 18 games

That sound you just heard was Desme just breaking another window. In just 18 games, Desme has 10 homeruns in the Arizona Fall League. Desme has “light tower power” and for those of you think he is a typical A’s “Moneyball” player–he is not.

In the minor leagues in 2009, Desme had 42 SB’s,

4. Starlin Castro, SS

Organization – Chicago Cubs

Arizona Fall League Stats – .433/.462/.550 in 17 games.

The Cubs might have a star on their hands with Castro. The 19-year-old non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic is currently leading the Arizona Fall League in hitting. He is also tied for third in SB’s with five.

Watch for Castro tonight. He might be the most exciting player on the field.

Castro also played in the Future’s Game in July.

5. Drew Storen, P

Organization – Washington Nationals

Arizona Fall League Stats – 0.93 ERA, nine K’s, and two saves in 9.2 IP

Not only does Storen do a good job of updating his Twitter page, but he also might be the future closer for the Nationals. If the East is leading in the ninth inning, look for Storen to close out the game.

West

1. Jason Castro, C

Organization – Houston Astros

Arizona Fall League Stats  -.143/.260/.214 in 11 games

Ready or not, here Castro comes to the Astros. Because the Astros no established catcher in their organization, Castro might be rushed to the majors in 2010.

Castro hit .300 with a .826 OPS in the minor leagues in 2009.

2. Yonder Alonso, 1B

Organization – Cincinnati Reds

Arizona Fall League Stats – .275/.298/.375 in 13 games

Alonso was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2008 draft and if he is going to play in Cincinnati, he is going to have to learn to play another position. I don’t think Joey Votto is going anywhere for a while.

Alonso had a .838 OPS between Rookie and Single-A in 2009.

3. Dustin Ackley, OF

Organization – Seattle Mariners

Arizona Fall League Stats – .300/.378/.375 in 11 games

The No. 2 pick in the 2009 draft is someone to watch tonight. The former Tar Heel star has all the tools to be a star in the majors.

I have gone on record in saying that Ackley would be the best player to come out of the 2009 draft.

4. Jordan Danks, OF

Organization – Chicago White Sox

Arizona Fall League Stats – .333/.378/.485 in 18 games.

The White Sox have done well with one Danks at the major league level, so why not give another Danks a try. Jordan is the younger brother of White Sox LHP John Danks.

Danks made the jump to Double-A in 2009 and while he didn’t tear up Double-A pitching (.243 avg), he could get his shot with the big club in 2011.

5. Tanner Scheppers, P

Organization – Texas Rangers

Arizona Fall League Stats – 3.00 ERA and nine K’s in nine IP.

Scheppers was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008, but decided to go back to college. While in college, Scheppers tore his rotator cuff in his pitching shoulder.

With doubts about his health, Scheppers slipped to the 44th pick in the 2009 draft. Now healthy, Scheppers is showing everyone why he was on the highest regarded pitchers in the draft.

Conspicuous by his absence on this list is Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg was supposed to start this game for the East squad but was scratched because of a strained neck muscle.

The Reds and the Cubs have the most players in this game with four.

You can view the complete rosters for both teams here.

nextBLOG writer Whitney Young interviews Season 7 American Idol Finalist Jason Castro.

Becoming a finalist on American Idol is a lot like becoming a student member of New York Women in Communications.   Both provide up-and-comers-whether an aspiring musician or journalist- great opportunities in their industry. But it still takes talent, passion and drive to reach success.

Season 7 American Idol finalist and recently signed Atlantic Records musician Jason Castro certainly seems to have those.  During our interview at Uno Chicago Grill in Rochester, NY earlier this month, the Rockwall, Texas native explained what he’s been up to since getting voted off during the top 4 of American Idol in 2008.

Castro has worked diligently for over a year on an album he says he can truly be proud of—writing over 50 songs in the mean time.  “It’s a process,” he says, with a chuckle.

The first single off his album, which will be released in early 2010, is “Let’s Just Fall in Love Again,” a perfect reflection of Castro’s personality—upbeat and honest.  The endearing lyrics claim, “I’ll hold your hand when we drive/ And we’ll lose track of all the time/ And we’ll tell everyone that we ain’t never felt so alive.”  The feel-good melody combined with Castro’s smooth vocals make you want to listen to it again and again.

When it comes to the former Idol’s idol, Castro says he’s a fan of both Tom Petty and John Mayer and hopes to emulate their successful careers .   American Idol may have given Castro the opportunities he needs to get there, but now it’s up to him to make the most of them.

~Whitney Young, Journalism major, Monroe Community College ‘12

Adam Lambert always wanted to be famous. And now he is famous. He released a (subpar) single that’s also the theme for an overblown, big-budget blockbuster popcorn flick, and his album is released in less than a month. He’s performing at the American Music Awards (Are the AMAs even legitimate? Aren’t they one step up from the People’s Choice Awards. Hell, the Grammys lost nearly all relevance with Milli Vanilli.) and he’s the cover story for November’s Details magazine.

So Adam Lambert is famous. While many people would love to believe fame is a double-dong dildo, everyone knows its a double-edged sword. And things like this will happen to your likeness in the middle of a Barnes & Noble.

People also write Lambert poetry. $20 says a ‘Twas the Night Before Fierceness and The 12 Days of Glambert show up before Sinterklaas.

JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING THAT CAME TO ME, INSPIRED BY THE ALIEN FROM PLANET FIERCE..

Standing by the window, staring out into the night,
I watched the moon rise ‘bove the trees and saw a flash of light,
A comet streaked black velvet sky, cut fractured swathe of blue,
And from the tip of slender tail, a strand of star-fire flew.
Shocking was the brilliance, I wondered what it might have been,
So I called the local radio to report what I had seen.

“You’re not the first to call,” they said; a thousand more agreed
That something split the peaceful calm and sowed a wondering seed.
Though nature said we should be scared, it felt we needn’t fear
This object of our wonderment that’d crossed the stratosphere.
And just a short time later, came the news that hearts would pierce.
That comet hurtling through our sky came from the planet Fierce.

“Don’t be afraid,” the newsman said, “we see no threat to earth.
For we have followed comet’s course and know that it will birth
A glittered god, the like of which mankind has long awaited
Prediction said our paths would cross; this meeting has been fated.
For in decree we saw it written that blessing of his voice
Would fill the world with light and love; let human hearts rejoice.”

But twenty-seven years of suns would rise and set again,
Before we’d recognize his face or hear his hallowed name.
We listened for the sound that caused a tremble through the air,
And while good art had come and gone, the union wasn’t there.
Until the winter of ‘09, young man with smile so warm,
Projected light through TV sets and took this world by storm.

In concert houses nation wide, he’s conquered every stage,
His name is now that household word and splashed across the page.
And when those dreams he’s asked about, delight he can’t restrain,
His smile bright, he answers clear, “I want to entertain.”
And from example seen thus far, it should come as no shock,
That alien from Planet Fierce will rule the world of rock.

Chameleon, shape-shifting lord, we know from far off place,
Although he looks like one of us, he no doubt came from space.
For no one owns our soul like he, his spell is undenying,
His eyes are mirrors of his grace; that voice sends sprits flying.
And songs we’ve heard a hundred times are by his power grand,
The notes a cosmic symphony under his command.

If by chance you’ve been up close, then surely you now see,
That everything about him seems so other-worldly;
A brilliant light shines from his core; his laugh is sheer perfection,
Emotions run so pure in him; he’s forged a strong connection
With those in this adopted world who’ve waited far too long
For Adam’s voice to bless their lives with beauty of his song.

Come on, ladies! Step it up. I want to see photos with Adam Lambert dolls. I know they’re out there. Why does Jason Castro get to have all the fun?

If you have never seen this website, you need to check it out.  I Am Second.  It is a collection of videos of musicians, athletes, actors, and other celebrities talking about their relationship with Christ.  A lot of them are very moving.  I love this site.  I think it can reach a lot of young people especially, but really anyone who may not have already accepted Christ into their hearts.   Take a look at a few of my favorite videos from this site.

Click here to see Colt McCoy’s video.  He is the quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.

Click here to see Jason Castro’s video  He was on American Idol two seasons ago.

I love to listen to these people tell their stories, and talk about the importance of Jesus in their lives.   He’s the #1 priority in my life, and I too, am second.

More speculation about Kris Allen’s album cover — this is the image being used on Barnes & Noble’s website:

He’s too young for me. And married. And probably too short for me. Plus, I don’t tard over anyone or anything…except maybe Battlestar Galactica (the new one…but then they nearly blew this for me with the finale…which sucked) or Mad Men, or competitive swimming. But that’s not tarding. It’s more appreciating. And if I was gonna tard over any famous male, it would be Ewan MacGregor, George Clooney, Jon Hamm, Eric Bana or Joshua Jackson. Sometimes I tard over goat cheese. And Croatia. And Burning Man. And I really love my cat. Nah…none of it is tarding — even over Quatto the Mole or Ade’s Pick!

I digress. My whole point was that I’m not an idiot fantard. I’m not even an idiot fangirl. But that Kris Allen is an attractive young man. If that is, indeed, his album cover, the photo is a very nice choice. Excellent lighting. He’s a very good-looking guy and I don’t care what any of you say, attractive males on Idol is virtually unheard of. Except for a few pieces of random jewelry the kid picked up, they didn’t even have to give him a makeover.

I know some people found Jason Castro adorable. No way. He was what happened when L. Ron Hubbard made John Travolta stick his thetan in a Fraggle. (Poor, poor little Fraggle) David Cook showed up in a sweater vest with Flock of Seagulls hair. Constantine Maroulis and Blake Lewis cause one to wince and turn away for fear of getting their vicious strains of unidentifiable, incurable VD. It’s like how you’re not supposed to look at a solar eclipse. You look at them on TV from the presumed safety of your living room and boom! You get weird sores and your privvies have rotted away even before you hit the pause on your Tivo to go grab more Captain Morgan & Diet Pepsi. They should have just made Ace Young do all his performances sans shirt. He would have won the damn thing based on the abs alone. Plus, most normal people would rather see a half-naked Ace Young over listening to most of these yahoos sing.

Anyway, Kris Allen is one of the best-looking male contestants they’ve ever had on that shit show. And that statement doesn’t make me a fangirl. Or a Kris Tard. It’s just kind of…true.

nextBLOG writer Whitney Young interviews Season 7 American Idol Finalist Jason Castro.

As a member of New York Women in Communications, I have learned to take advantage of any opportunity to talk to people I admire. So when I learned that my local radio station, 98 PXY in Rochester, was hosting an event with Season 7 American Idol finalist Jason Castro on Oct. 7 at Chicago Uno Grill, I took a chance and asked if I could interview the 22-year-old. And they said yes.

Sitting in a booth with Castro, I learned that the Rockwall, Texas native doesn’t need the title of American Idol to have a music career. At least he hopes so. Since appearing on AI in 2008 and making it to the top 4, Castro worked diligently for over a year on an album that will be released in early 2010 on Atlantic Records. “It’s a process,” he said with a chuckle.

His first single is “Let’s Just Fall in Love Again,” a reflection of Castro’s personality—upbeat and honest—with a melody so feel-good and playful it even starts out with a whistle. The lyrics perfectly capture what can happen when you fall in love, like “I’ll hold your hand when we drive / And we’ll lose track of all the time / And we’ll tell everyone that we ain’t never felt so alive.” You’ll want to listen to it again and again.

And what’s most refreshing is that he is still dreaming. “I’m pretty much always doing something with music,” he told us. If there was any career he could emulate, it would be those of Tom Petty and John Mayer. He also hopes to team up with season eight winner Kris Allen for a project at some point, though nothing has been confirmed.

He wouldn’t be on his way if he didn’t take a chance and audition for AI, just like I would have never interviewed him if I didn’t ask for it. Which goes to prove, if you want something, go after it. The greatest risks reap the greatest rewards.

~Whitney Young, Penn State University ‘12

This weekend, I went down to NYC. When I arrived on Friday, my first stop was MTV Studios.

How cool am I? Well, not that cool. But Jim Cantiello rocks, as do his incredible Tweet Beats. Not only did I get to watch him edit this gorgeous piece of web cinéma vérité, he also let me take a photo with a FIVE FOOT TALL SURI CRUISE!!! (So awesomely creepy…Praise Xenu!)

Oh. And I forgot. I got to do a voiceover!! In a little voiceover booth and everything.

While you’ve already seen this masterpiece one or two times, please watch it again…and listen to ME play the part of Tyra Banks. Heheheheheheh.

So much fun. And Jim is super cool. He also played the snippet of Adam Lambert’s Time for Miracles for me, given I was on a wi-fi-less bus for 4 hours and wasn’t able to hear it when it broke that afternoon. Sorry, kids! I agree. It’s definitely more Bon Jovi than Bowie!

Love how Glamberts write for Examiner and instantly have their posts in prime Google News returns. It makes it soooo easy. Sample quote:

C’mon, how bad can certain death be when accompanied by the soaringly sexy falsetto of Glambert?

Oh those Glamberts. How many “tribute videos” do you think they’ve made to Time for Miracles by this point?

So tell Jim he’s awesome (he really, really is) for slaving over these Tweet Beats every week. His trusted sidekick / production assistant, Joel, is also AMAZING. For a quick, five-minute video they do once a week, these guys (and a cadre of others, including the individual who made the killer Castro cartoon) really go all out. So get everyone you know to start watching Tweet Beat EVERY WEEK because they’re great, and they’re just going to keep getting better and better.

You may also tell Jim how cool he is for letting me pretend to be Tyra Banks for about 2 seconds. AND let’s thank @jambajim for having HIS version of Party in the USA in my head for the ENTIRE weekend. We’re talking I rolled off my friend’s sofa on Saturday morning and it was still playing. Prior to my late afternoon Tweet Beating, I had never really LISTENED to that song. They lyrics…oh my fraking flying spaghetti monster! They talk about butterflies! Have you heard that shit? I think I prefer Jim’s rendition to the original, don’t you?

(One more thing. Because I saw a lot of Jason Castro’s Twitter page on Friday, it dawned on me…oh wow, his entire background is GRASS. Arby’s…grass…yeah, he NEVER hits the bong.)

A lot of you have been hoping to hear singles from past Idols. And I’ve accumulated them all here. I’ve been particularly waiting for Jason Castro since I felt like he was very marketable and could have a great career with a Mraz-y feel.

Jason Castro- Let’s Just Fall in Love Again. Definitely one of my favorite Idol singles. It suits him perfectly. I could have done without the whistling in the beginning. But this kid should get a lot of notice. Unfortunately, his release date is the same as Adam Lambert. What was his label thinking???

Kris Allen “Live like we’re dying”- This one leaves me wanting a little more. It’s actually a cover from an Irish band The Script. And the two versions are exactly the same. Too bad he couldn’t have his single be something original. But hey! Thats the Idol Machine for you. Check out both versions here.

Allison Iraheta “Friday I’ll be over U”- This is a preview to her single, and I gotta say it’s perfect for her and her demo. It’s catchy enough to get some others into it that normally wouldn’t. I’m actually pretty excited for her album.

Elliott Yamin “You say” Anyone who knows me knows that Elliott is my favorite idol (along with David Cook). So I support him whenever I can. This song is amazing. Love the beat, vocals are perfect obviously. Check out his 2nd album Fight for Love!!

David Cook “Come back to me” - This song and “Life on the Moon” are my favorite songs on the album! I’m glad he released it as a single. Just an amazing radio-friendly hit. I’m sure he doesn’t need any more help promoting his music, but here ya go.

Blake Lewis “Sad song”- Always been a huge fan of Blake Lewis. His style, beat-boxing, all awesome. His debut album got a lukewarm response. I just think they picked a bad lead single. I think they should have jumped on How Many Words. Great song. Break Anotha wasn’t strong enough… BUT I DIGRESS. He has a new album out, with the best album title this year — Heartbreak on Vinyl—  I love that title for some reason!

That’s it for now! If I missed any Idols that don’t get enough attention, let me know! BTW, STILL NO WORD ON AN ADAM LAMBERT SINGLE! YOU’LL GET HERE FIRST!

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Name: Al Vergara
Jersey no: #19
Position: Point Guard
Nickname: Lil’ Al
Height: 170 cm (5-7)
Weight: 69 kg (152 lbs)
Birthdate: 20 December 1979
Birth Place: Philippines
College: St Francis College
Previous Clubs: Harbour Centre Batang Pier (PBL) , Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants (PBA)

Al Vergara is a Filipino Import who signed with the Slingers last year as an emergent replacement for Jason Castro, who left the team abruptly. As a fan favourite among the Filipino Slinger Fans, and most certainly among the locals too. Al is back with the Slingers as their ASEAN Import to play in the ABL. During the 1st game against the Coca Cola Tigers, Al had a career night with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. As the starting point guard for all 4 preseason games, Al is known for his amazing ability to make treys and finishing strong despite his height.

2008/09 Singapore Challenge Series Stats: 6.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.0 blocks

Stats during Slingers Preseason Challenge Series: 11.5 points, 0.3 Off Rebounds, 3.5 Def Rebounds, 3.8 Rebounds, 3.3 Assists, 1.5 Steals, 0.0 Blocks

Strengths: Good floor awareness. Brings the ball well upcourt. Excellent three-point shooter coming off screens (50 %). Good dribbler. Good Passer. Provides leadership on the court. Quick hands defensively. Fearless on the drive.

Weaknesses: Hasn’t been able to score effectively in the paint. Undersized point guard.

NBA Comparison: Jose Juan Barea

Videos:

Al Vergara with an incredible quarter court buzzer beater to end the half:

Photos:

To catch more of Al Vergara, come down to watch the Singapore Slingers live at the Indoor Stadium. The inaugural game of the ABL season kicks off on 11 Oct (Sun) at 4 pm. The Slingers will be taking on the Brunei Barracudas. Get your tickets here on Sistic.

Just got an update from JasonCastromusic.com (which Jason Castro himself posted) that his debut album will officially come out on November 17. Can’t wait for the release date because I know that I will enjoy listening to his songs. I made a previous blog about his first single “Let’s Just Fall in Love Again” and if this is the type of music I can expect, then I’d love to hear more!

Here’s a teaser photo of the dreadlock-haired Jason Castro from the digital download package available with the CD pre-order.

Isn't this just a cool image of Jason Castro?

If you pre-order the digital pack priced at US$9.99, you’ll get the following bundle:

Jason Castro Digital Pack (pre-order)

But if you’re a true fan of the guy, you can consider getting the Limited Edition Pack which includes an autographed limited edition poster, t-shirt, 2010 calendar, video message from Jason Castro plus extra video content of Jason from the studio and on the road. This pack is pricier (US$79.99) but well worth the freebies that come with it.

Here’s a video of Jason Castro’s live acoustic version of another (new) song titled “It Matters to Me.”

video courtesy of YouTube/jasoncastropexthread

Images (plus some details of the pre-order packs) courtesy of JasonCastromusic.com

Even Jim thinks Jason Castro smokes weed.

That’s really all you need to know. And you best be checking out Tweet Beat EVERY WEEK. @jambajim is our friend. And he’s really, really funny.

Remember Jason Castro? He’s the cute Texan guy with the Bob Marley hair who could pass off as a young John Travolta and who placed in the Top 5 of American Idol 7 (which David Cook won)? Well, it seems that his music career is slowly picking up at the moment. He has just released his first single “Let’s Just Fall in Love Again” and I must say that this one could be a big hit. After listening to the same for the first time, I could not help but play the song over and over again. It’s like Jason Mraz with a hint of pop reggae. If you ask me, this is a perfect carrier single for the movie soundtrack of a romance comedy.

Want to hear the recorded song you can download from iTunes? Click below:

audio/video courtesy of YouTube/mavsman182

Now, if you want a live acoustic version of Let’s Just Fall in Love Again, click below:

video courtesy of YouTube/jasoncastropexthread

If this song doesn’t hook you, then I don’t know what will. By the way, if you’re a fan, then you can pre-order his music CD (which includes this song) here and you can download his single instantly.

Today’s Blog!

Hello to all of you! Idk if I have anything really exciting to talk about other than I’ve been keeping busy in the studio this week! I’ve been recording in LA and Utah this week and it’s been quite the work but I’m really excited for it all to come together! I really like airplane rides though because it gives me time to write and get really detailed in my journal haha. Anyway… I know that may have seemed kinda random but I’ve been on airplanes quite a bit this last week. But I think the Christmas spirit is rubbing off on me because I’ve never started the Holiday season spirit this early in the year before haha. It feels good though.

So we had our last show for the Summer last week in Alaska, which was bittersweet. It’s sad because touring is always fun, but it’s nice to be able to work and focus on other projects and stuff. I have to say though…. Alaska was AMAZING!! The mountains were incredible to look at, and it was just beautiful. I loved performing too. I wanna go back now! haha. But it’s been good having time to be home for a little and catch up with everyone here! I got to hang out with family and friends, and I made sure I got a good amount of time to have that time with them. It really is important to have those people close to you, and important to spend time with them! It’s been nice recording in Utah so I could make that happen.

Well that’s basically all I have on my mind right now! I’m sorry it’s so short but I hope you guys understand it’s hard for me to explain a week where I’ve spent most of my time inside the studio haha. The Christmas album is almost done though! So crazy! I’m excited to start getting into the next pop album too. But anyway I’m done. There’s no reason to keep rambling when I have nothing else to say hehe. But I will talk to you guys later!

Song for the day: Let’s Just Fall In Love Again – Jason Castro

I’m so excited to have some Castro music! I love this song! Woo hoo go Jason! haha. You guys should definitely take a listen if you haven’t yet!

Video Credit: mavsman182

How good is the 2008 MLB Draft shaping up to be? In just a little over a year, we have already seen Gordon Beckham, Brian Matusz, Ryan Perry, and Daniel Schlereth make contributions at the major league level.

In 2010we could see Brett Wallace (Oakland A’s), Pedro Alvarez (Pittsburgh Pirates), Jason Castro (Houston Astros), and Justin Smoak (Texas Rangers) all get the call up from their respective clubs. With this influx of talent, the 2008 draft is shaping up to be one of the better drafts in quite some time.

Well, yesterday, the 2008 draft class added another member to a major league roster. The San Francisco Giants called up C Gerald “Buster” Posey from Triple-A Fresno.

Buster Posey

Doesn’t “Buster Posey” sound like a classic Florida State linebacker? Gerald Posey? Not so much. Posey wasn’t a linebacker at Florida State, he was a catcher — and a very, very good one.

By the way, one note on Florida State University. My sister went there and I went to go visit her a couple of times. For you guys out there, if you want to go a college football game with a great atmosphere and see smoking hot girls — FSU is the place to be.

Back to Posey.

I think Posey has the potential to be one of the best catchers in the game. In three-to-four years we will be talking about Posey as the right-handed version of Brian McCann. Yes, he is that good.

If and when Posey impresses for the Giants, he could be in-line to be the Giants’ starting catcher in 2010. Bengie Molina is a free agent after the 2009 season.

Here are some other facts about Buster Posey…

Age: 22

College: Florida State University

Drafted: Fifth pick of the first round of the 2008 draft

Minor League Stats:

2008 Rookie & Single A: .351 avg. with one HR, six RBI, and a .467 OBP in 10 games

2009 Single A+ & Triple-A: .325 avg. with 18 HR’s, 80 RBI, and a .416 OBP in 115 games

Keith Law Ranking and Analysis

Ranking: No. 8 out of 100 best prospects in baseball

Analysis: “Posey presents a very balanced set of tools that, given his position, make him among the most valuable properties in the minor leagues. A recent convert from shortstop who also pitched a little in college, Posey is a plus defensive catcher with a plus arm (he pitched in the low 90s), soft hands, and a lot of energy at a position that demands it.

At the plate, he has a compact stroke, excellent bat control, and a good eye, so while he doesn’t project to hit for more than average power, he should make plenty of hard contact and end up a doubles hitter with 15-20 home runs per year.

The combination of a projected plus hit tool and currently plus defense make him a very high-probability prospect — he plays in the big leagues no matter what, be it as a quality backup if he never improves at all or as a star everyday catcher if he reaches his offensive ceiling.”

Here’s an article from last week’s Entertainment Weekly about Jason Castro’s new single and debut album:

Jason Castro talks about his new single, his upcoming debut album, and (not) getting the last laugh