May 07--ST. LOUIS -- Starlin Castro's mimicking of Kris Bryant fielding and throwing to first base Wednesday night created some laughter as well as some eyebrow raising.
But Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, who watched the play on television after being ejected, saw no harm.
"I was OK with it," Maddon said Thursday morning. "It was very entertaining, I thought. I don't think there's anything awfully wrong about it. Some purists might be offended. I guess they never saw the Gas House Gang play.
"I have no problem with it. He's not going to do it all the time. Obviously, it was one of those moments. It does indicate we're playing the game in a manner meaning that we're not uptight, which I prefer. Just nice and loose and play the game. So it was OK.''
Castro told reporters late Wednesday night that his move was 'just instinct and having fun."
Castro appears to be playing with more confidence than at any time during his Cubs career. Thursday marks the five-year anniversary of his major league debut.
"As he continues along, a lot of stuff he's doing defensively, he's getting better. His moments, the way he's coming to get the ball, the efficiency where he's not padding the ball in his glove and getting it out and throwing it, the accuracy with his throws, all that stuff has been very good."
