BBTF's Notes in a Minor Key Discussion :: Rule 5 Draft (DISCUSSION THREAD)

Reader Comments and Retorts

Statements posted here are those of our readers and do not represent the BaseballThinkFactory. Names are provided by the poster and are not verified. We ask that posters follow our submission policy. Please report any inappropriate comments.

Page 1 of 2 pages 1 2 >

1. 1k5v3L

Posted: December 02, 2006 at 05:02 AM (#2249819)

There's a very good chance that AZ will lose Adam Bass.

2. Pleasant Nate (Upgraded from 'Nate') Posted: December 02, 2006 at 05:14 AM (#2249829)

3. Cabbage Posted: December 02, 2006 at 06:22 AM (#2249882)

Nate, that's the first thing I thought as well.

The White sox should grab Zink. They'd get a baseball-wide monopoly on Charlie-based knuckleballers.

4. Dan The Mediocre is one of "the rest" Posted: December 02, 2006 at 06:24 AM (#2249885)

The White sox should grab Zink. They'd get a baseball-wide monopoly on Charlie-based knuckleballers.

In terms of mystique that's just behind the Cubs stranglehold on middle infielders who can't hit.

5. Hurdle's Heroes (SuperBaes) Posted: December 02, 2006 at 06:31 AM (#2249887)

I can remember Beau Hale being "kind of a big deal". How long ago was it that Brownlie was a first-rounder? Has it only been four years? Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

6. Dan The Mediocre is one of "the rest" Posted: December 02, 2006 at 06:44 AM (#2249893)

I can remember Beau Hale being "kind of a big deal". How long ago was it that Brownlie was a first-rounder? Has it only been four years? Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

It might also be that Hendry still has no idea how to manage the roster, and has to let go of quality prospects.

7. Dan Szymborski

Posted: December 02, 2006 at 12:27 PM (#2249934)

Baltimore: P Beau Hale, P Nick McCurdy. Almost every remotely useful player in the organization that was Rule 5 eligible was added to the roster.

They did sign some minor-league free agents that would be useful and eligible - Josh Phelps and J.R. House most notably.

8. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 02, 2006 at 03:20 PM (#2249994)

Fox: He's been a catcher for some time now and, still, he had 22 passed balls last year while only throwing out 30% of runners (not horrible, but not great). A team could try to Shelton him, but good-hit, no-field catchers rarely get tabbed.

9. Paul Posted: December 02, 2006 at 04:45 PM (#2250040)

How long ago was it that some people here thought that Bladergroen being sent by the Mets to the RedSox for Menkywas a disaster for the Mets?

10. Dog on the sidewalk has an ugly bracelet Posted: December 02, 2006 at 05:03 PM (#2250048)

Paul, I still think it was a truly stupid thing to do, but I guess it probably won't matter in the long run.

11. Sam M. Posted: December 02, 2006 at 05:11 PM (#2250049)

How long ago was it that some people here thought that Bladergroen being sent by the Mets to the RedSox for Menkywas a disaster for the Mets?

Ah, the Blade. That had been based on his fine 2004 season at Cap City (.342/.397/.595) in the S. Atlantic League. Then he hurt his wrist, IIRC, and hasn't been the same since. Or maybe he just wasn't ever really that good. But it was a nice season . . . .

12. Raskolnikov Posted: December 02, 2006 at 05:12 PM (#2250050)

How long ago was it that some people here thought that Bladergroen being sent by the Mets to the RedSox for Menkywas a disaster for the Mets?

As Alan said, it was still a pretty stupid thing to do as Blade had put up a 1000 OPS at 21 in low A. Unfortunately, an injury the next year with the Sox really screwed up his development.

I wouldn't give up on him yet, but obviously he's not ready for the majors and so is not a potential Rule 5 pickup.

13. philly Posted: December 02, 2006 at 06:25 PM (#2250084)

As Alan said, it was still a pretty stupid thing to do as Blade had put up a 1000 OPS at 21 in low A. Unfortunately, an injury the next year with the Sox really screwed up his development.

Actually the wrist injury was suffered while with the Mets and ended his supposed breakout year. He hasn't been healthy with the Sox.

14. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 03, 2006 at 12:24 AM (#2250307)

They did sign some minor-league free agents that would be useful and eligible - Josh Phelps and J.R. House most notably.

15. Honkie Kong Posted: December 03, 2006 at 12:42 AM (#2250311)

It's unlikely that a player signed as a six-year MiLFA would go in rule 5 - not unheard of, mind you, but if a team really wanted such a player they would probably have tried to sign him themselves, maybe even to fill a 40-man slot.

If my memory serves me correctly, last year the Royals signed Santos and Bernero as MiLFAs and got claimed in the rule v draft..

16. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: December 03, 2006 at 12:54 AM (#2250313)

Many thanks for this thread, I've been wanting to look at the Rule 5 for awhile now.

If my memory serves me correctly, last year the Royals signed Santos and Bernero as MiLFAs and got claimed in the rule v draft..

It was Santos and Seth Etherton. Etherton was returned and Santos was offered but the Royals refused.

Eligible Royals of note:
IF Fernando Cortez - great glove, no stick utility IF, part of the Gathright-Howell trade
P John Gragg
OF Adam Greenburg - former Cubs prospect
IF Adam Keim
IF Mario Lisson
P Devon Lowery
P Jarrod Plummer - good live arm, former Dodgers prospect
1B Mike Stodolka - former 1st round pitcher converted to 1B and raked last year in Cali League
C Matt Tupman - lotsa walks, but age 27
P Brandon Weeden - former Dodger/Yankee prospect taken in minor league Rule 5 last year
P Matt Wright - former Braves prospect

I can't really see any of these guys being taken. Maybe Cortez if someone wants a good glove man off the bench. Plummer has a good arm and is young, but he'd have to be hidden away in the bullpen. Tupman would probably make a pretty decent backup catcher and I think he should be protected over Paul Phillips.

17. afoster Posted: December 03, 2006 at 01:12 AM (#2250319)

I'd take a chance on D'Antona.

18. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: December 03, 2006 at 01:13 AM (#2250322)

Indians LHP Reid Santos and Rangers 1B Nate Gold are two guys we've discussed on a Royals board as attractive Rule 5 candidates.

19. WTM Posted: December 03, 2006 at 01:31 AM (#2250330)

I don't think Santos was ever offered back to the Royals. The Pirates just kept him all year.

Only Dave Littlefield would use the Rule 5 draft to acquire a 29-year-old marginal fifth starter.

20. Raines Posted: December 03, 2006 at 03:05 AM (#2250375)

Right, they kept Santos and then had him riding the pine after August, only 3 IP in September.

21. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 03, 2006 at 03:20 AM (#2250387)

I'd love to see someone take a chance on Kelly Hunt, he of the 123/9 K/BB ratio at Erie last year. Not going to happen, though.

D'Antona would be an interesting choice for someone who wants to continue the catching experiment (which I don't personally think will take, but you never know).

Campusano and DeAza are interesting possibilities for someone. Both can fly, and can hit singles and the occasional gapper every now and again. They probably wouldn't be hurt development-wise, since both are fifth OF prospects anyway; if you need some speed in the OF...

The CBA change probably got some guys on rosters who would be in Rule 5 otherwise. I doubt Jonathan Johnson is added by the Braves if they had to put Saltalamacchia on, for one, and the Royals would have had to put Lubanski on, which probably would have impacted Musser or Rosa.

-- MWE

22. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 03, 2006 at 05:12 AM (#2250438)

Bobby Wilson is on the Angels 40-man.

He won't get picked, but Jack Hannahan (DET) could play a role on the right team. Lefty with a plus (maybe plus-plus) glove at third, who can play a little at second while doing an okay job of getting on base.

A name to remember from the Mets is Jesus Flores (though as a catcher, he's unlikely to go). He's younger than Fox and has a better glove (though worse plate disicpline).

23. Darren

Posted: December 03, 2006 at 05:21 AM (#2250440)

Actually the wrist injury was suffered while with the Mets and ended his supposed breakout year. He hasn't been healthy with the Sox.

He didn't do much before the breakout either. He was pretty much a flier.

And if anyone is wondering what MiLFA is, it's Minor League Free Agent. Just so you don't have to google it.

24. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 03, 2006 at 05:36 AM (#2250446)

BTW, both Esmerling Vasquez and Jose Valdez are eligible (played in the DSL those years).

I could see Plummer potentially getting picked - you could hide him in the back of a pen.

25. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 03, 2006 at 05:39 AM (#2250449)

So, what's the over/under on the number of AAA phase Rule 5 picks? While a crapshoot to be sure - and generally used to fill organizational needs - there were a surprising number of interesting commodities to come out of there in recent years. This offseason, some teams may not even have eligibles (everyone either exempt, on the 40-man, or on the AAA roster) for the draft.

26. Dan Szymborski

Posted: December 03, 2006 at 05:51 AM (#2250454)

It's unlikely that a player signed as a six-year MiLFA would go in rule 5 - not unheard of, mind you,

It's happened a lot more lately - Chris Gomez and some Royals most recently. Adrian Brown, too.

27. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 03, 2006 at 04:58 PM (#2250713)

Bobby Wilson is on the Angels 40-man.

Fixed that one. I'd read an article in early November that said he was a likely Rule 5 candidate, and didn't bother to check the roster.

-- MWE

28. A Random 8-Year-Old Eskimo Posted: December 03, 2006 at 08:24 PM (#2250836)

How does Vasili Spanos look defensively? He's a bit old, but he was okay with the bat at Midland this year and hit well in both A and A+ the two previous years. Does he project as a corner utility guy or is it going to be a stretch for him to reach the majors?

29. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 03, 2006 at 08:34 PM (#2250840)

How does Vasili Spanos look defensively?

He got most of his playing time at DH - that's probably all that you need to know.

-- MWE

30. Andere Richtingen

Posted: December 03, 2006 at 09:17 PM (#2250859)

Why would the Cubs leave Jake Fox unprotected? Yeah, he needs work behind the plate and his performance dropped off once reaching Double-A, but he's got more potential value then a handful of players on their 40-man. Are they confident no team would take a player converted to the position so soon?

I would guess yes. Teams generally aren't looking for someone with raw defensive skills in a backup catcher, and he's no guarantee to hit. Hendry probably thinks someone would be more likely to take Jose Reyes, and he's probably right.

31. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 03, 2006 at 10:13 PM (#2250884)

* Spanos had a good-hit/no-field rep back in college (Indiana) - Mike's note suggests that hasn't changed.
* I don't think Dillard (Mil) is eligible (link).
* I think the guy with the best chance to go on the A's (unless Brad Knox has made sudden improvements I'm not aware of) is SS/2B Gregorio Petit (plays several spots, good defensive rep, some speed, some potential with the bat). Also, FWIW, I think Ziegler is working on becoming a submariner.

32. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 03, 2006 at 11:04 PM (#2250904)

Alvis Ojeda played in both the VSL (01) and DSL (02).

33. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 03, 2006 at 11:11 PM (#2250906)

Pirates fans, what was wrong with Boeve last year?

34. Russlan is not Russian Posted: December 03, 2006 at 11:23 PM (#2250911)

I'm very afraid Flores gets picked up. He strikes out too much and doesn't walk much. He gets hit by a lot of pitches but slugged .487 in the FSL and has good catching skills. This isn't good. The only hope I have is that a team isn't going to want to carry a third catcher the entire year.

35. Russlan is not Russian Posted: December 03, 2006 at 11:30 PM (#2250918)

Somebody keep an eye on Rask for me.

36. WTM Posted: December 03, 2006 at 11:36 PM (#2250921)

Pirates fans, what was wrong with Boeve last year?

Apparently he's just not that good. He's always been old for his league and the scouts have always said he didn't really have that much power. It appears they were right.

37. Craig in MN Posted: December 04, 2006 at 12:32 AM (#2250949)

He won't get picked, but Jack Hannahan (DET) could play a role on the right team. Lefty with a plus (maybe plus-plus) glove at third, who can play a little at second while doing an okay job of getting on base.

Hey, he's a St Paul guy, and the Twins love the local kids. I really think that they could use another option at 3rd base and a Hannahan/Punto platoon might be quite productive. I just really don't want to have to count on Punto all season at third. It's not like there are many other lefty 3rd basemen around worth picking up. I'm officially on the Hannahan bandwagon now.

38. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 04, 2006 at 12:41 AM (#2250953)

I don't think Dillard (Mil) is eligible.

Dillard was 18 when he was drafted, but 19 when he signed, and I thought that because he was 19 when he actually signed the contract that the four-year limit would apply to him. However, I've seen a couple of references (several years old) to the age being determined as of June 5 prior to the signing of the contract. Dillard signed on May 27, 2003 - so since he was still 18 on June 5, 2002, if that's still the rule then he is not eligible.

-- MWE

39. The Answer to the TWolves (GMoney) Posted: December 04, 2006 at 12:43 AM (#2250954)

Hey, he's a St Paul guy, and the Twins love the local kids. I really think that they could use another option at 3rd base and a Hannahan/Punto platoon might be quite productive. I just really don't want to have to count on Punto all season at third. It's not like there are many other lefty 3rd basemen around worth picking up. I'm officially on the Hannahan bandwagon now.

The Twins Doug Deeds could stick at the end of some teams bench in my opinion. A corner OF with a little pop and good on base skills.

On the Hannahan note; I'm hoping the rumours of Rincon being talked about with Houston are in some kind of deal for Ensberg.

40. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 04, 2006 at 01:48 AM (#2250998)

I think I now have a fairly complete list of probables up there.

-- MWE

41. Darren

Posted: December 04, 2006 at 02:14 AM (#2251012)

I believe Luis Soto is an OF (former SS) now. He was very highly touted originally but has not had success above SS ball. Kind of disappointing how quickly he went from SS who can hit to lousy corner OF, but there have been some injury problems, so maybe he'll bounce back.

42. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 04, 2006 at 02:45 AM (#2251028)

I believe Luis Soto is an OF (former SS) now.

Yep. The site I had listed him as a 1B for some reason.

-- MWE

43. Daunte Vicknabbit! Posted: December 04, 2006 at 02:57 AM (#2251035)

I'm guessing that there is no chance that John Jaso will get picked up due to his limited defensive use? He's another one of those "make a decent hitter try to work at catcher" projects that seems to be all the rage these days (although in my honest opinion, it's a good strategy and keeps us from having to become super-hyped about Neil Walker being the savior of the catching position).

44. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 04, 2006 at 03:26 AM (#2251043)

I think Ensberg will stay in Houston, but admittedly don't follow the Astros org very closely.
Jaso: Not much chance, IMO.
I think Tingler was released by Texas and I'm not aware of Carlson (MiLFA) having reupped.

However, I've seen a couple of references (several years old) to the age being determined as of June 5 prior to the signing of the contract.
I think (but don't know) that that rule is still in effect.

45. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 04, 2006 at 04:59 AM (#2251090)

RHP Colter Bean (NYY) is available. His command needs work - bad news for a guy without velocity - but he's tough on righties and can go multiple innings.
Another guy who signed as an undrafted free agent is RHP Lee Gronkiewicz (TOR) - he throws strikes and gets out with offspeed stuff.
Deeds is decent, but how is his glove? I see he mostly played 1B last year.

46. Sparkles Peterson Posted: December 04, 2006 at 05:07 AM (#2251091)

And if anyone is wondering what MiLFA is, it's Minor League Free Agent.

I thought it was a parous woman you want to do naughty things to.

47. Francoeur Sans Gages (AlouGoodbye) Posted: December 04, 2006 at 07:23 AM (#2251138)

Am I right in saying that Michel Abreu of the Mets is available? He seems interesting.

48. Russlan is not Russian Posted: December 04, 2006 at 07:29 AM (#2251141)

I don't think so. Abreu was a Cuban refugee who signed with the Red Sox just a few years ago. I doubt enough time has passed to make him eligible in the Rule V draft.

49. Xander Posted: December 04, 2006 at 07:34 AM (#2251146)

He's only had 1 year of time in the minors. He signed with us last year, but that was immediately voided after he aged 5 or 6 years in a matter of days. He had a good year though.

50. Francoeur Sans Gages (AlouGoodbye) Posted: December 04, 2006 at 07:49 AM (#2251149)

He was listed as eligible on scout.com's list of interesting eligible players. Is there a definitive list anywhere to check?

51. MS Posted: December 04, 2006 at 08:02 AM (#2251151)

Mike, is Chad Spann not a 3B anymore (you have him as an OF)? I was thinking he would be an interesting pick for the Pirates. He just turned 23 and put up a decent 294/361/472 at AA last year.

52. afoster Posted: December 04, 2006 at 08:46 AM (#2251163)

A bunch of my buddies faced Daniel Denham in high school. He's not that big, but he was throwing in the mid-90s then and he went 17th overall in 2001. He has been a major flop for Cleveland...maybe someone will roll the dice on him as a reliever.

53. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 04, 2006 at 01:17 PM (#2251187)

Abreu is not eligible for the draft - not even close. (He could help a number of teams, though - his hitting stats in Cuba are the equal of any player to come over in recent years and he performed well last season.)

That scout.com link does mention a few more interesting players not listed here (Anthony Webster, Plummer, Ryan Raburn, and Jon Bateman among others). Raburn has a pretty good bat, but a lousy glove (he's a LF/2B) - he could help some teams but I don't see him being selected.

Spann is still a 3B - you can disregard the positions for several of the players above. He'd make my list of top 10 options, I think.

54. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 04, 2006 at 01:32 PM (#2251194)

I thought Denham had a shot to be picked last year, but he really imploded in Buffalo.

55. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 04, 2006 at 02:15 PM (#2251219)

I fixed some of the information noted above. I have confirmed that Tim Dillard is in fact not eligible for the draft. I also fixed the positions for Soto and Spann and removed Carlson and Tingler from the list, and added Plummer (who I missed the first time through because I didn't check High Desert's roster), Webster, Emerson Frostad, and Jose Marte (thanks to Jamie Newberg for the last two). I wasn't sure Ryan Raburn wasn't a six-year minor league FA, and to be honest I didn't think he had much chance of being selected anyway.

-- MWE

56. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 04, 2006 at 02:17 PM (#2251220)

The Pirates have a full 40-man roster and are unlikely (IMO) to make any moves in order to make room for a Rule 5 selection - which is too bad, because I think Colamarino, a Pittsburgh kid who bats left-handed and has some power, which they say they want, might have been an interesting selection.

-- MWE

57. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: December 04, 2006 at 02:32 PM (#2251233)

Yeah, Spann's a 3B, played there all last season. His MLE is pretty terrible, because of his high K numbers, so I have trouble imagining him sticking on a major-league team. But as Rule 5 position players go, he's not too bad.

58. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 04, 2006 at 02:51 PM (#2251247)

which is too bad, because I think Colamarino, a Pittsburgh kid who bats left-handed and has some power, which they say they want, might have been an interesting selection.
He's the ****, as they say.

soxprospects.com and the Cards scout.com site list who is eligible for each phase of the draft for their respective orgs.

I hadn't really given him much thought, but Wes Timmons does a nice job of getting on base, plays a decent third (I think this year's weak range numbers were fluky), and can fill in at second and short in a pinch. It would help if he had more power, speed, or something, but he could totally fit in as a second extra infielder. That said, he probably lacks the ceiling to merit selection.

59. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: December 04, 2006 at 04:37 PM (#2251317)

The Twins Doug Deeds could stick at the end of some teams bench in my opinion. A corner OF with a little pop and good on base skills.

Holy crap! Doug Deeds is in the pros? He stayed at my apartment for a week or two as a freshman at OSU. My roomates even hazed him a bit. I had no idea he was drafted, let alone was having a productive minor league career. Good for him.

Supposedly Baseball America is coming out with their Rule 5 preview today and Rockies pitcher Pedro Strop high on the list. He's very raw though - converted shortstop who pitched for the first time last season.

60. hi neighbor Posted: December 04, 2006 at 06:22 PM (#2251414)

Luis Soto bulked up. He's too big to play SS. So he's in LF or at 1B. He's coming off a bad year with injuries and disappointments. Not a good time for him to play MLB.

61. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 04, 2006 at 06:34 PM (#2251427)

"I think Colamarino, a Pittsburgh kid who bats left-handed and has some power, which they say they want, might have been an interesting selection."

Hmm, good call.

62. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: December 04, 2006 at 06:46 PM (#2251442)

Baseball America has their Rule 5 preview up for those with subscriptions.

63. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 04, 2006 at 07:04 PM (#2251463)

"Baseball America has their Rule 5 preview up for those with subscriptions."

My scrip lapsed, like, yesterday. Any interesting bullets from there?

64. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 04, 2006 at 08:16 PM (#2251520)

Of BA's top 6 (all pitchers), only one guy was mentioned here - Pedro Strop. As someone whgo doesn't know what he's talking about - the six with "helium" don't grab me. Top position guy is D'Antona. Very little crossover in general with those discussed above.

65. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: December 04, 2006 at 08:30 PM (#2251529)

Strop seems extremely raw - converted shortstop who has pitched all of 26 professional innings, none higher than A ball. I would think a year sitting in the back of a pen would really stunt his development.

66. Shagrat Posted: December 04, 2006 at 11:31 PM (#2251666)

Yankees farmhand Edward Ramirez put up some nice numbers as a reliever for Tampa last year and currently has 27 Ks in 17 innings for Licey. Anyone knows what he throws?

67. Rocco's Not-so Malfunctioning Mitochondria Posted: December 05, 2006 at 01:18 AM (#2251734)

On Jaso, he's not really an experiment. He always was a catcher, he's just had a lot of injuries that have limited him to playing DH and the occasional 1B over the past couple of years.

I suspect that most of the Rule 5 draftees will be MiLFAs this year, between the lack of squat available and the ridiculousness of the market at the moment. The hot stove hadn't really started yet when most of these guys signed, and their perceived values have probably gone up since they originally signed. I could see guys like Tike Redman, Jamal Strong and Darnell McDonald easily get taken, considering the shortage of CFs this year and the ridiculous price people are paying for them.

68. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 05, 2006 at 03:20 AM (#2251859)

Yankees farmhand Edward Ramirez put up some nice numbers as a reliever for Tampa last year and currently has 27 Ks in 17 innings for Licey.

It's Edwar, not Edward. He's been going back and forth between independent ball and organized ball for the last couple of years. Basic fastball/slider pitcher, not much else. The Angels tried him as a starter, he couldn't cut it there, went to Pensacola and became a quality reliever.

-- MWE

69. . . . . . . Posted: December 06, 2006 at 07:32 AM (#2252588)

OF Adam Greenburg - former Cubs prospect

Greenburg, Greenberg, Iceberg, same difference.

70. 50PoundHead Posted: December 06, 2006 at 01:41 PM (#2252658)

Braves' fan here. LHP Devin Anderson is available to everybody because he was released the other day. I would also add AA LHP Dan Smith to the list. He's had some eye-popping stats the past couple of seasons, but has flown below the radar. I think Josh Burrus is probably the most interesting guy on the Braves' list. He's a former 1st round pick who started off miserably, but was starting to develop. He was injured most of 2006. If he were to go to an organization that preaches a bit more patience, he might be worth a shot. By the way, he's exclusively an OF now and not a 3B.

Mike, I hope you take my comments as constructive and not nit-picky prickiness. Thanks for your hard work in putting together this list.

71. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 06, 2006 at 01:50 PM (#2252665)

If a team wanted Burrus, why not pick him off waivers a few weeks back? (You could extend that question to others as well.)

milb.com mentioned that Vermilyea has some buzz, several sites have talked up Gronkiewicz's chances. Cubs are supposedly worried about Fontenot.

72. John M. Perkins Posted: December 06, 2006 at 08:28 PM (#2253214)

BPro rumor was that several teams are trying to trade into Tampa Bay's spot, and that the over/under was only 6 players selected.

73. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 06, 2006 at 09:35 PM (#2253311)

milb.com also put the over/under @ 6.

74. The Original SJ Posted: December 06, 2006 at 10:00 PM (#2253346)

RHP Colter Bean (NYY) is available. His command needs work - bad news for a guy without velocity - but he's tough on righties and can go multiple innings.

He has been every year since 04. In that draft, the Red Sox took him in the second go around. They gave him back a couple weeks into ST.

A lot of people say the Yanks are holding BEan back, but they have basically allowed him to go to any team that wanted to take a shot at him.

75. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 07, 2006 at 04:25 AM (#2253820)

B-Pro is reporting that the A's have traded for the top pick in the draft.

Actually, Bean was protected by the Yanks each of the last two years.

BA mentioning new names as top targets: Strop, Joakim Soria (low 90s fb, good winter ball season, solid summer seasons in Mexico as well), Goleski, Lincoln Holdzkom, Raburn, Nic Ungs, Douglass (I like him, one if the few guys in the draft I think could survive if necessary in a rotation), and loogy Jay Marshall.

76. beansnapper Posted: December 07, 2006 at 05:07 AM (#2253864)

Here's an SI piece by Bryan Smith, preview that's been up all day. Not a lot of new names here, but some real convincing choices. Plummer and Starling would be two interesting choices, I think.

77. Justin T's pasta pass was not revoked Posted: December 07, 2006 at 08:10 AM (#2253949)

MiLB.com says the A's are after Soria.

78. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:17 PM (#2254044)

MLB Radio isn't working for me, but BA is blogging. link

First 7 clubs all made picks - Goleski to OAK, Soria to KCR, JOSH HAMILTON to the CUBS, ...

79. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:23 PM (#2254046)

19 picks!

80. Xander Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:35 PM (#2254057)

Jesus Flores to the Nats.

I know someone's going to be upset.

81. The Answer to the TWolves (GMoney) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:36 PM (#2254058)

Josh Phelps to the Yankees.

82. Paul D(uda) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:41 PM (#2254063)

I can't believe that no one selected Gronk from Toronto. He has to be wondering if he'll ever get a shot

83. Hendry's Wad of Cash (UCCF) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:44 PM (#2254069)

Josh Hamilton? Really?

Seems like a decent low risk, high reward kind of thing. He's probably a better hitter right now than half of the crap we used off the bench last year. He does play second base, right?

84. Danny Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:44 PM (#2254070)

So, why was Goleski so terrible in 2005?

85. The Answer to the TWolves (GMoney) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:49 PM (#2254074)

9:45 a.m.: Biggest new rumor of the first round: Josh Hamilton won't be a Cub. BA has learned Hamilton will be traded to the Reds for cash.

86. Hendry's Wad of Cash (UCCF) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:55 PM (#2254079)

I should have known that wasn't the Cubs. I'm sure there's a weak-hitting outfielder out there we can give a $2.5M/1 yr contract to.

87. Old Matt Posted: December 07, 2006 at 02:58 PM (#2254082)

####, they took Flores? #### man. Damn Manny Acta.

88. The Answer to the TWolves (GMoney) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:00 PM (#2254083)

Really why wouldn't the Nats grab anybody? Their roster is horrible right now; they could have picked 3-4 pitchers and just used them as bullpen fodder / 4th or 5th rotation guys.

89. Zonk wants no amputees at his parade Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:06 PM (#2254090)

9:45 a.m.: Biggest new rumor of the first round: Josh Hamilton won't be a Cub. BA has learned Hamilton will be traded to the Reds for cash.

Now that's just dumb...

I see absolutely no reason why it wouldn't make all the sense in the world for the Cubs to give Josh the 4th/5th OF job - and see if just maybe he makes his way back to what he might have been.

Josh Phelps is a nice pick by the Yanks... why someone doesn't live with the fact that he makes a perfect lefty masher that you can slot at 1B in case of injury is beyond me (fer chrissakes... the Cubs used HENRY F BLANCO at 1B in September!). I know he can't really catch anymore -- but a guy that makes a credible emergency catcher, I think has some value, too.... for those games a year when you might want to either PH or PR for your starting catcher - you can do so worryfree, no longer fearing the debacle should your sole other C on the roster get hurt in a freak injury.
Why guys like Phelps (or to a lesser degree, Jason Grabowksi among others) don't get the same guaranteed contracts utility drek like Ramon Martinez, Neifi, or the rest get just puzzles me to no end...

90. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:20 PM (#2254104)

Goleski: In '05, I heard his trouble was with breaking stuff, low and away. He's consider to have a long swing, but pretty serious power and arm strength. (Good college hitter too.)

I was surprised Justin Jones was available in the AA phase. Wasn't he on the 40 man just a few weeks ago?

91. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:24 PM (#2254107)

Sorry, I meant AAA phase.

92. Zonk wants no amputees at his parade Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:24 PM (#2254108)

Looks like the Cubs lost 5 players - none of which really bother me to lose...

Jason Smith
Ed Campusano
Lincoln Holdzcum
and then in the AAA phase -
Richie Lewis
Andy Shipman

The Pirates once again show their mastery of how the Rule 5 works -- taking their own player with the 4th pick (Sean White). What a true joke of an organization. I honestly believe that the Bucs could just throw up daily open threads on BTF, let us kick ideas around, vote -- and STILL do a better job running the organization. I'm not making that comment in jest -- I really believe the Primate Collective, even without any sort of order or rank, but just open thread free-for-all, could outmaneuver Littlefield.

Justin Jones - former Cub and key cog in the Nomar deal - also got taken (Nats from the Twins)... Does this mean the Cubs actually won that trade if only by virtue of the Matt Murton throw-in?

93. Zonk wants no amputees at his parade Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:31 PM (#2254125)

I was surprised Justin Jones was available in the AA phase. Wasn't he on the 40 man just a few weeks ago?

BA has some unkind words about him ("...I have a feeling no one with the Twins will be sorry to see him go. He had not made a positive impression since coming over from the Cubs in the 2004 Nomar Garciaparra--Doug Mientkiewicz four-team deal.").

How the potentially mighty have in reality fallen.

Has anyone seen confirmation of the Hamilton sale? Maybe Jim Hnedry should check back into the hospital.

94. Josh Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:32 PM (#2254126)

The Phelps and Machado moves annoy me - these guys were minor league FAs who, I imagine, would have jumped to sign a contract if it meant being put on the 40 man roster, with the increase in benefits, likelihood of ML time, etc. Instead, the Nationals and Orioles make at least $25k for having the foresight to offer a quick contract. Easiest money around.

95. Buster Olney the Lonely Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:40 PM (#2254133)

The Pirates once again show their mastery of how the Rule 5 works -- taking their own player with the 4th pick (Sean White).

What was the thinking here? Was it an attempt to keep a player that maybe they forgot to protect? I can't believe that they'd be so ridiculously dumb, that they didn't realize he was in their system.

Has this ever happened before?

96. Fred Garvin is dead to Mug Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:42 PM (#2254136)

When I saw that the Cubs took Hamilton, I thought -- wow! With the Cubs needing OF help, that's the kind of move that is relatively low risk with massive upside, not the kind of move I would expect from Hendry. Kudos!

I should've realized that he was drafting for another team. Idiot.

97. Zonk wants no amputees at his parade Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:47 PM (#2254137)

What was the thinking here? Was it an attempt to keep a player that maybe they forgot to protect? I can't believe that they'd be so ridiculously dumb, that they didn't realize he was in their system.

Has this ever happened before?

I know I've seen teams do this before -- but usually, I think it happens in the 2nd/3rd round (where a team will try to slip a player through the Rule 5 1st round, then protect him in the 2nd).

I don't know that I've ever seen a team select its own player that high. Based on what I can tell, the Pirates had 4 spots open on their 40 man... so the ONLY way it makes any sense at all is if they were pining for Gorelski, Soria, and Hamilton, only to see them get taken with picks 1, 2, and 3.

98. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:48 PM (#2254141)

White wasn't with the Pirates last year; he was pitching in the Braves' system.

Also, the pick was made so that he could be sold to another team, just like Matt Roney and Luis Ugueto in past years.

99. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:50 PM (#2254147)

"Based on what I can tell, the Pirates had 4 spots open on their 40 man..."

Nope. It was full-up as of this morning, and they released DeCaster to create a spot for the pick. If you don't believe me, check out the 40-man roster on MLB.com and count the players: Link.

100. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 07, 2006 at 03:54 PM (#2254153)

Labandeira's not bad as SS insurance, and Omar Falcon's a fun lottery ticket.

Page 1 of 2 pages 1 2 >

You must be Registered and Logged In to post comments.

<< Back to main

Reader Comments and Retorts

BBTF Partner

Support BBTF

Bookmarks

Hot Topics

Syndicate