Interview: Jason Castro, Astros 2008 First Round Pick

On June 5, the Houston Astros selected Stanford's Jason Castro, a catcher, 10th overall in the first round of the MLB Amateur Draft.

This year has been a dream season so far for the Stanford junior. Along with leading his team to the College World Series, Castro is one of the best catchers in the nation who is sporting a .372 AVG with 12 HR's, 16 doubles and 68 RBI. The durable Castro has also played in all of Stanford's 61 games and is also a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award, which is given annually to the nation's best catcher.

Houstonist had a chance to talk baseball with Castro as he prepares his team for the College World Series this weekend.

Jason, congratulations and welcome to the Houston Astros organization.
What were you doing when you got the call and found out you were an Astro?

I was on our flight down to Los Angeles to play Cal State Fullerton in the Super Regionals. It wasn't until I landed that I found out I was selected by the Astros.

What's the first thing you think of when you hear Houston Astros?

A great organization with a long successful history.

Jason, have you had a chance to talk to anyone on the Astros roster yet?
If not, who is the first person you'd like to meet?

I received a message from Hunter Pence on Facebook welcoming me to the organization. Other than that, I have not had much of a chance to speak with anyone else.

Now that you're one step closer to becoming an honorary Texan. Have you
thought about buying your first pair of boots?

It is an honor to have been selected by the Astros and hopefully I'll become an honorary Texan soon. However, I have not given it much thought yet as to getting my first pair of boots. It is probably something I should look into in the near future though.

Jason, on Saturday, your sixth inning bases loaded clearing double proved
to be the winning hit that clinched Stanford's World Series birth. What was
that like when y'all clinched the final out?

It was a great feeling having the opportunity to come up in a situation like that. Our team has worked so hard to get to this point and for us to be able to realize one of our goals in the beginning of the season is pretty special. It is a great feeling to be a part of the first Stanford team in some years now to make it back to Omaha for a chance at another national title.

Jason, Astros fans can get a glimpse of you this weekend at the College World
Series. What's it going to take for Stanford to win it all?

I think in order for us to be successful and win it all, we need to pitch well and play defense. We need our pitching staff to continue what they have done all postseason; limiting our opponents to a few runs. That will make our chances that much greater.

Castro and the no. 7 Stanford Cardinal take on the Florida St. Seminoles in the College World Series on Saturday at 1 p.m. CST on ESPN.

Photo courtsey of GoStanford.com