Starlin Castro time with the Cubs starts now with phenom's callup

The Chicago Cubs are a team built on more than 100 years of “nexts.” Next game. Next year. Next beer. Next rookie phenom.

Enter the latest in a long line of can’t-miss prospects – shortstop Starlin Castro. It was only a matter of time until the 20-year-old – .376 with one homer, 14 extra-base hits and 20 RBIs in 26 games at double-A Tennessee – hit the bigs, and there’s no time like the present for a team desperate to find a spark.

Castro, according to ESPNDeportes reporter Enrique Rojas, will start at shortstop tonight in Cincinnati. Ryan Theriot will move to second base defensively and the seldom-used Chad Tracy will be packing for the minors according to reports.

As usual, the team is bringing up the rookie on the road to keep as much pressure off as possible. He’ll also be hitting in the eight hole so he can adjust – though he should expect a steady diet of breaking pitches with the pitcher up next, not something you see a lot of in the minors.

Cubs PR folks haven’t made an official announcement yet – and no moves have been announced. But ook for a fresh face in the infield at the Great American Ballpark.

The big question, of course: Is Castro the real deal? We’ll start to find out tonight.

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