Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Friday he has no doubt that shortstop and top prospect Starlin Castro will join the big-league team this season, but he wouldn't guess at a date.
Castro is hitting .353 in 20 games for Double-A Tennessee.
"He's coming along very well," Hendry said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "[Assistant GM] Randy Bush just visited the Double-A club for about five games, and we certainly feel he's going to be a very, very good player for a long time.
"He's swinging the bat well and working on all the nuances that will make him successful when he gets here. I don't have any doubts you'll see him in Chicago this season, but to put an exact date on it would be foolish."
Hendry said he's talked to current shortstop Ryan Theriot about changing positions when Castro is ready.
"Ryan and I had some good, honest chats that the day may come when Castro arrives that he'll have to move off short," Hendry said. "And I think Ryan was receptive to that.
"You just want to give him enough notice to help him get ready for that when that day comes. Ryan is capable of being a .300 hitter and a very good infielder when he does move."