Locastro finds his motivation
Let it be known that Tim Locastro’s basement renovation is complete.
Last September, Locastro had returned to Auburn, New York, where he lives with his parents, and started to paint a concrete wall blue.
His season, one in which the 25-year-old speedster had gone from Double-A Tulsa to Oklahoma City, was thought to be over. He had worked out some.
But Gabe Kapler called late that night. What were Locastro’s plans for the weekend? How about joining Los Angeles in Colorado for the final three games of the season as an audition for the playoff roster? It was a crazy scenario. “Absolutely,” Locastro told Kapler.
Locastro was going to be a base-stealing threat if he made the roster. Though he didn’t make the postseason roster, it was those three days that gave him hope entering Oklahoma City’s home opener Tuesday night against Round Rock.
“I think being able to get my feet wet last year was a great stepping stone,” Locastro said Tuesday. “I was taking it like I was playing with the house’s money. I was trying to enjoy it but make an impression.”
In 33 games with OKC, Locastro has made an impression.
He’s batted .393 with 12 multi-hit games. He’s started just once this season, though, going 2 for 4 in the second game of Thursday’s season-open-
ing doubleheader. He had a sacrifice bunt Saturday. In a crowded outfield that includes No. 2 prospect Alex Verdugo, Andrew Toles and Henry Ramos, playing time could be sparse. But
OKC manager Bill Haselman said he expects Locastro to get back in the lineup Wednesday. “He was great last year,” Haselman said. “He got lots of hits, just a dynamic player and gives you lots of energy.
“The challenge is to get everybody in the lineup. With all of those days off, it’s been tough. We’ll figure it out.”
Locastro is willing to be patient. He’s on the 40-man roster, but he’s also used to crazy scenarios.
Last September, he had been home for nearly a month when Kapler called. It was the chance of a lifetime. Then he was back to the basement working. He painted the walls and he replaced the flooring with his father. It’s now a room to watch sports and hang out with friends. Locastro isn’t sure how many more offseasons he will live there, but he’ll look at that wall and know its importance.
“It was nuts,” Locastro said. “Anything (can happen). You’ve got to be ready for it.”