Routine helping Castillo continue assimilation

BOSTON -- For Rusney Castillo, the adrenaline of the crash course has given way to the comfort of getting into a routine. The whirlwind that took place for Castillo after signing late last August was exhilarating, but he didn't have a whole lot of time to get his feet under him.

If you remember, in the span of just a few short weeks, Castillo went from the Gulf Coast League playoffs to the Double-A playoffs to the Triple-A playoffs to the Boston Red Sox. And once that was over, he played in the Arizona Fall League and even some winter ball action in Puerto Rico.

"More than anything, it will help establish a little more regular of a routine. But honestly, that didn't affect me all that much last year," said Castillo. "It will just come down to commitment and discipline this year. But it will be nice to start to establish a more regular routine."

Castillo is getting ready to spend 2015 with just the Red Sox, and he could be the starting center fielder on Opening Day. To prepare for that, Castillo has spent this week participating in the club's Rookie Program with nine other players.

"Rusney definitely has one of the bigger challenges, just due to the cultural change and the level and getting to know the organization and staff and players -- there's a lot to it," said director of player development Ben Crockett. "He's had a bit of a whirlwind tour, playing for four different teams last year in-season, and then getting a chance to play in the Fall League and getting exposed to more American baseball and the cultural stuff of living in Phoenix. And then on the baseball side in Puerto Rico."

It's still hard to know exactly what kind of player Castillo will be in the Major Leagues, because his development hasn't been as charted as a typical prospect.

But the Red Sox are encouraged by what they've seen at every step, including this week's Rookie Program.

"He's been tremendous. He's really focused in everything he does. He has a tremendous routine that starts in the cage every day," said Crockett. "He's got a tremendous workout routine that he's been really dedicated to, and at the same time he's wanted 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. Despite all that movement, despite all that change that he's had, he's been able to stay focused on playing."

Castillo's adjustment remains two-fold for now -- culture and baseball.

"So far, so good," Castillo said. "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. I think it's gone pretty well."