So here's a video of the beginning of Luis Castillo's five-minute chat with the media upon reporting to Phillies camp today.

And here are some snippets of what he said if you're more into reading than watching video and what not.


Q: Excited about being here, winning a job?

Luis Castillo: "Yeah, anybody would be excited playing with the Phillies, man. They play good. I'm happy I'm here."



Q: Phillies expected you here yesterday...

Castillo: "Yeah, I think I had communication with me and my agent and I thought I was supposed to report today. That's what it was about. More importantly I'm here and I'm excited to be here."


Q: Ruben said this is like a seven-day tryout, that you won't go to minor leagues, you'll be released if you don't make team?

Castillo: Yeah, you know. I'm healthy. And I'm healthy and I feel good. I have to prove that I'm ready, and that’s all. I'm here to play baseball and help the team wins some games.


Q: How much do you think you are player you were 5 years ago?

Castillo: Like I said, my last five years, this year I feel more in shape than I was five years ago. Now I'm fine, man. I'm fine. I'll give it everything I have on the field. Working hard and showing people I can still play.


Q: What did Phils tell you of situation here, chances of earning playing time?

Castillo: You know, right now I know that Valdez is doing a good job and that Utley is hurt right now. So I'm trying to find a job here. I want to compete, I want to win the job. I want to play. I have 10 days to prove it and get ready.


Q: Is 8 days enough time to do that?

Castillo: Man, I have like a week of playing. I've been doing batting practice and other stuff. the more days I'm here and playing, that's better for me. I'll do the best I can.


Q: Mentally a fresh start for you in Philly?

Castillo: It's hard. New York you know how it is, it's New York. I want to be focused on playing baseball, I don't want to think about the fans, the media, all this stuff. I want to focus on baseball and show people I can still play.


Q: Scouts have said you're not playing you used to be. Bother you?

Castillo: "It bothers me a little bit, but that’s the chance I have here. I have an opportunity to show I can still play. That’s why I'm here. That’s what I'm going to do."


Q: Has your name been sullied because of everything that went on in New York? Fell you have to reclaim your rep?

Castillo: I feel like I'm just starting to play baseball again, like I'm rookie guy, man. I know a lot of stuff was coming out… I'm trying to forget about that, keep it in the past. I want to focusing on playing, on the opportunity here.


Q: You met with Mets manager Terry Collins earlier this spring. How did that conversation go?

Castillo: "When I spoke with Terry, we spoke about the situation. I needed a chance to play, he wouldn’t give me the chance to play. It didn’t work out. I told him if he didn’t give me the chance to play, I don’t know if I have to be on the team. He decided to release me and wouldn’t give me the opportunity, and I’m here.