Biggest surprise (for me, at any rate) was the Brewers adding Scarpetta. Omissions off the top of my head include: Morlan (TB), Skelton (DET), Campbell (ATL), Ka'aihue (ATL), Veal (CHC), Whelan (NYY), J. Brown (CLE), Nowak (TB), Lofgren (CLE), Mullins (MIN).

It feels like this is a pretty weak Rule 5 group. No obviously interesting guys with MLB-starter upside (like Barton, Taveras or Flores) that are currently good enough to stick and not too many guys you could imagine in a bullpen next year.

And why on EARTH was Scarpetta added? He didn't have to be (just an 07 draftee) and he hasn't played above the Pioneer League. The BrewCrew still have 5 free spots even with him there, so he isn't taking up any room, but why put him on so early?

Scarpetta: I know his original contract was voided due to a preexisting injury - that somehow plays into it, they must have had to have added him. If that's the case, was Ka.Kaaihue, for example, taking a AAA reserve spot the last few years (orig. drafted by Bos, contract voided, later signed w/ Atl) - is this analogous to minor league free agency (which would surprise me greatly)? Very interesting stuff.

MM1F: Eh, I dunno. Barton was kind of a fluke and Flores was a case of "catchers don't get drafted", I suspect - he didn't appear ready at the time.

To belabor the previous mentions: Morlan is getting a lot of blogoheat, probably because people think he throws a lot harder than he does (he's a low 90s guy) - still, I think he could stick if healthy. Veal and Lofgren have the talent, even if they don't seem ready - maybe they could handle a back of the pen / 2nd LOOGY role. Whelan struggles to throw strikes and doesn't hold runners - other than that, he's got very good stuff and I wouldn't be shocked to see him as a top ML reliever someday. Or in the back of the St. Paul pen. Vlad likes Campbell (I think - I did a little internet poking around instead much of my own research this year) and I do too - solid bat, projectable, glove isn't awful. Not sure he's currently good enough to stick, though, in the age of the giant pen. Brad Kilby (OAK) might be LOOGY ready, though I wish he threw harder.

The Campbell thing is more than just talent of course. I think his omission, in addition to the fact that he hasn't lit the world up the last couple years, is the fact that everyone is sick of him and the Braves are kind of saying it might be better for both sides to part and move on.

agreed

Note on Lofgren (arguably the most talented arm available + a lefty, but coming off a year with an ERA ~= 6 in AA): he's Blassing in winter ball (ERA over thirty).

"he's Blassing in winter ball"

Love it. "I really Blassed that neuroscience exam". "It's too bad that I Blassed the cross-exam of the orthopod". Steve Blass, the gift that keeps on giving.

he's Blassing in winter ball (ERA over thirty).

And Lofgren's not even pitching as well as 30+ ERA would indicate.

His ERA is 32.14, but (if the stats at MLB.com are right) 60% of his runs allowed have been unearned! His RA in winter ball is 51.43. Seven innings, 19 hits, 18 walks, 2 hit batters.

Oof.