Astros fans will start getting to know catcher Jason Castro, the club's first-round pick from the 2008 draft, as he participates in his first spring training as a non-roster invitee.
"I'm ecstatic about it," Castro said. "It's a pretty good feeling. Getting the chance to be up in major league spring training is a great opportunity to just learn from the guys that have been there and take some advice and take it as it comes." Castro understands that he's not showing up to camp to win a major league job.
"I think the goal is, obviously, I want to go and do as best as I can," he said.
Castro must build on his offseason showing in Hawaii.
"It was a great experience," he said of Hawaii. "The league was composed from guys from low-A, high-A and some guys from Double-A. It was a good experience to go there and do well against good players from all different organizations and levels from minor league baseball."
Right-handed pitcher Bud Norris, right-hander Sergio Perez, catcher Lou Santangelo and third baseman Chris Johnson are the other top Astros prospects who will get a chance to participate in spring training as non-roster invitees.
