Cubs calling up top prospect Starlin Castro

Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes is reporting that the Cubs have called up top prospect Starlin Castro to join the team in Cincinnati. Castro is posting ridiculous numbers at Double-A, owning a .376 average with a .421 on-base percentage and a home run in 109 at-bats. 

This comes after Castro hit .295 with 3 home runs between High-A and Double-A, was a standout in the Arizona Fall League, and nearly made the team out of spring training. Castro is doing everything right, but is he ready for the jump from Double-A to the major leagues?

It's a natural question to ask when calling up any top prospect, but the decision to bring up Castro now is interesting. Yes, the Cubs did just get swept by the Pirates, but this comes a week or so after GM Jim Hendry said that while he expect Castro to join the team in 2010, there is no timetable for his arrival.

"He's swinging the bat well and working on all the nuances that will make him successful when he gets here. I don't have any doubts you'll see him in Chicago this season, but to put an exact date on it would be foolish."

Everyone is obviously very excited about Castro, who potentially could become a Cubs fixture as early as this season. However, it seems like a more natural ascension to the majors would have been a promotion to Triple-A, where he could face some major league pitching, before joining the Cubs. 

The team will designate Chad Tracy for assignment to make room for Castro, according to Phil Rogers.