Rusney Castillo Adapting Well To New Culture Since Joining Red Sox

BOSTON — The term “offseason” should be used loosely with regards to Rusney Castillo.

Castillo has bounced all over the place since signing with the Red Sox in August. The outfielder is pleased with how he’s adapted culturally upon his defection from Cuba, though. Each new experience has proven valuable.

“So far, so good,” Castillo said Friday through a translator at the Red Sox Rookie Development Program at Harvard Stadium. “Everywhere I go, I always try to learn something new and adapt to a new place, whether it be culturally or the weather — being in Miami and being in Boston — so I think it’s gone pretty well.”

Castillo, who signed a seven-year, $72.5 million contract with the club in August 2014, played in the Gulf Coast League in Fort Myers, joined Double-A Portland, stopped by Triple-A Pawtucket and ultimately landed with the major league club in Boston before the Red Sox wrapped up their 2014 season. He continued his world tour this “offseason” by playing in the Arizona Fall League and playing winter ball in Puerto Rico.

The travel alone is enough to make one’s head spin, yet the 27-year-old hasn’t lost focus amid the organized chaos. He’s already leaving an impression on the organization through his work ethic and his drive to succeed.

“He’s been tremendous,” Red Sox director of player development Ben Crockett said Friday, acknowledging that Castillo hasn’t had it easy. “He’s really focused in everything he does. He has a tremendous routine that starts in the cage every day. He’s got a tremendous workout routine he’s really dedicated to.

“At the same time, he wants to learn. He’s asked a lot of questions, he wants to take in the things that he can from what we’re doing and implement those into his routine. He’s been able to — despite all that movement and despite all the change that he’s had — stay focused on playing.”

Castillo showed promise in his first taste of the majors. He hit .333 (12-for-36) with two homers, six RBIs, three stolen bases and a .928 OPS in 40 plate appearances over 10 games. The Red Sox clearly are enthused about his potential, and all of his extra work over the last five months appears to be paying off.

“I’m obviously preparing myself and doing everything I can to be in a good place to be a regular, everyday player, whether it comes to physical, mental preparation, everything,” Castillo said. “I’m definitely working toward that.”

Castillo will need to continue making adjustments. While he’s been here, there and everywhere, Castillo in all likelihood will face moments of discomfort. Such is to be expected when one leaves his country and joins one of the most storied franchises in sports on a very lucrative contract.

“The first thing that stands out obviously playing in Boston is the difference in the size of the crowds, playing in front of tens of thousands of people,” Castillo said of last season’s surprises. “That’s an obvious difference. But I guess I was able to, especially toward the end of my stint, I was able to do well in controlling that and keeping the nerves down. And I think that’s something I’ll take moving forward to kind of help me out.”

Castillo’s busy “offseason” was designed to expose him to as much as possible, both on and off the field. The true benefit won’t be clear until Castillo embarks on his first full big league season in 2015. But the early returns are positive.

Thumbnail photo via Joy R. Absalon/USA TODAY Sports Images