Fri, Dec 2, 2005 at 2:00pm

TWINS ACQUIRE CASTILLO

The Minnesota Twins acquired second baseman Luis Castillo from the Florida Marlins for minor-league pitchers Travis Bowyer and Scott Tyler.

What does it give the Minnesota Twins
It's been years since the Twins have had a truly competent and consistent second baseman, and Castillo finally gives them that. On the intangible side, he has the experience many of the Twins lack, having won a World Series in Florida. On the tangible side, the three-time all-star has got good speed and the tools to be a leadoff man if the Twins choose to drop Shannon Stewart to more of a run-producing role. And on the field, he's got great skills, with three Gold Gloves to his credit. The Twins will have him for at least one year, with a $5.75 team option for 2007.

What does it give the Miami Marlins
The Fish continue to dump veterans for youth, primarily young pitching. This time, for starters, they got a big, young righty in Bowyer. He's a big-league-ready kid with nasty stuff who could be a closer in the majors in the near future, having saved 23 games at Triple-A in 2005. And at 6-5, 265 pounds, Tyler is an even bigger righty who has some impressive starter's stuff. He can throw heat into the mid-90s with a hard curve, but has some work to do on his command. Having no experience above High-A ball, he's probably a little farther off than Bowyer.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Minnesota Twins

Luis A. Castillo IF