Can Starlin Castro be the next MVP?
When Derrick Rose was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, the sky was the limit. His first season in the NBA showed the tenacity of a superstar and a work ethic that was unmatched. He did not shy away from the spot light and believed there were no barriers to his talent. When asked about his confidence of reaching the ultimate personal achievement of the NBA MVP, he could only respond in one way, that of a star.
“It’s high,” Rose said of self-confidence. “The way I look at it within myself, why not? Why can’t I be the MVP of the league,” he asked. “Why can’t I be the best player in the league? I don’t see why [not]. Why can’t I do that?
“I think I work hard. I think I dedicate myself to the game and sacrifice a lot of things at a young age, and I know if I continue to do good, what I can get out of it.”
How does this relate to the Cub’s young shortstop? To begin with, Starlin Castro was brought up to the big stage at the same age Derrick Rose had when he began his career. He also has excelled in his first season in the big market that is Chicago. But the most encouraging aspect of the Castro/Rose duo is the comparison of their mentality and work ethic. At age 21, Castro does not shy at the idea of being the “next big thing”.
“Superstar,” Castro says, “like the Hall of Fame players.”
If you watch Castro on a daily basis you see the frustration that mounts when he has a bad at bat or makes an error in the field. It shows that he is not satisfied with his results, good or bad. Everything he does is taken to heart and he is left wanting more, wanting to have his name spoken in the likes of players like Tulowitzski and Jose Reyes.
The most promising characteristic of Castro is in the positive responses to coaches’ criticism and instruction. He asks for extra fielding practice from infield coach Ivan DeJesus, to help him stay down on groundballs and adjust his release on throws. Castro understands his flaws and is willing to work through them.
To further my expectations of Castro’s future, you can make note of his accomplishments. In his short career he has made the all star team and has had two entries in the MLB record book. His first being for his outstanding debut in which he amounted 6 RBIs, and the second comes from Tuesday’s all star game, where he recorded 2 stolen bases.
What else can you ask for from the young star of your team? A leader and star demands more and works hard to get there. That is why Starlin Castro is like Derrick Rose. The two young faces of their respective leagues, playing and growing up in the same city, wanting to be more.
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