Most inexcusable is Nieto's shackling of would-be base stealer Ramon Castro, an extra weapon who could have made the difference in New York's one-run losses. The deceptively fast catcher reached base at a .336 clip in 2007 and a .356 rate in 2008, but how many steals did he have to show for it? Zero. Considering his five thefts in 10 attempts for the 1994 Gulf Coast League Astros, as well as his steal in 2005, clearly talent isn't what kept Castro from utilizing his speed. But a quick look at Nieto's playing record, with his 251 games, 619 at-bats and zero stolen bases make it clear that "If I Couldn't Read the Pitcher's Move, No Catcher Can" Nieto simply didn't recognize that the fleet-footed Castro was a double waiting to happen.Forget Canada, blame Tom Nieto!
And to think I "broke" the news of Neito's move to first.