3/20 Castro, Snyder to Minors

The Cubs trimmed two more players Saturday and sent highly touted shortstop Starlin Castro and outfielder Brad Snyder to the Minor League camp. Castro hit .423 this spring, Snyder hit .313.

“I felt good with the experience, first time being up here,” Castro said. “I’m going to go down there and work hard and try to get back up here as soon as possible.”

Castro, who turns 20 on Wednesday, used Geovany Soto as his interpreter but when asked if he felt he was ready to play in the big leagues, he didn’t need help with his answer.

“I’m ready,” Castro said. “I’m ready to play in the big leagues.”

Lou Piniella was impressed.

“Castro had a phenomenal spring for a young player,” Piniella said. “Nineteen years old, to come in here and look like a veteran and swing the bat. He showed his athleticism. He came in here highly touted and left here even more touted.”

Ryan Theriot doesn’t have to look over his shoulder any more. He was batting .533 this spring.

“Maybe having Castro around has something to do with it,” Piniella said. “You’ve got a nice young player like that pushing you.”

Give hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo credit. He’s tried to get Theriot to stop pulling the ball.

– Carrie Muskat