The New York Mets cut dies with Luis Castillo on Friday, releasing him from their training camp while absorbing the remaining year of the four-year, $25 million contract he signed prior to the 2008 season. Constant knee injuries and an overall lack of effort have made the fans sour with Castillo, and both sides are probably happy to be rid of each other. The 34-year-old veteran now has a blank check when it comes to his own future.

This sounds as much like a move to answer the cries of the fans as it is a good baseball decision. Castillo has been loathed by the Mets fan base for years, but it was perhaps the worst when he was directly responsible for a loss to the Yankees in June of 2009. An easy pop fly in short right field should have ended the game in a Mets win, but instead of making the catch, the ball dropped in, allowing two Yankee runs to score for a loss. Castillo has been trying to live that one down since.

With Castillo out, the second base duties will go to another this season. Newcomer rookie Brad Emaus, outfielder Daniel Murphy, Luis Hernandez or Justin Turner will get the call; none of whom have substantial major league experience at the position. Emaus looks like the long-term replacement, having actually played second for the majority of his career, although he spent much of 2010 at third base. He may need some more time to become accustomed to second with the Mets.

Castillo himself probably won’t be available very long. With the Mets being responsible for the $6 million he’s owed this year, whoever approaches Castillo can get him for free. His apathy in New York may not necessarily translate to another city either, as a change of scenery is often all a player needs to regain something lost. It’s a new day, and both Castillo and the Mets will try to make the most of it.