Rule 5 Draft Analysis

The Rule 5 draft was heavy on the pitching and bullpen spare parts. Of the three hitters, I like both Josh Rodriguez and Brad Emaus, and I think both could end up having good careers as bench assets. I also like Minnesota's Scott Diamond pick.

Rule 5 Draft Analysis

Pirates: Josh Rodriguez, SS, from Indians: Turns 26 this month, hit .297/.378/.484 between Double-A and Triple-A this year. Has some pop in his bat and controls the strike zone decently, adequate with the glove, looks like he could be a good utility player but I think he might have a surprise season in him.

Mariners: Jose Flores, RHP, From Indians: 21 year old from Venezuela, posted 2.14 ERA with 51/7 K/BB in 42 innings for Lake County in the Midwest League. Throws hard, throws strikes, improved a lot this year, will have a chance to stick in the bullpen.
 
Diamondbacks : Joe Paterson, LHP, from Giants: 24 year old southpaw, posted 3.48 ERA with 49/24 K/BB in 54 innings for Triple-A Fresno. Doesn't throw hard but has a good breaking ball, classic LOOGY type.

Orioles: Adrian Rosario, RHP, from Brewers: 21 year old from the Dominican Republic, posted 3.50 ERA with 59/18 K/BB in 46 innings between the Pioneer and Midwest League. Projectable and young, and dramatically improved his strikeout rate this year. Probably a long shot to stick due to lack of experience.

Royals: Nathan Adcock, RHP, from Pirates: 22 years old, went 11-7 with a 3.38 ERA and a 113/38 K/BB in 141 innings in the Florida State League. Fastball is average but has a good curve and throws strikes. Might stick in long relief.

Nationals: Elvin Ramirez, RHP, from Mets: 23 years old, posted 4.16 ERA with 72/49 K/BB in 80 innings between St. Lucie and Binghamton. Drafted for his 95-99 MPH fastball, not his command. Might stick in the bullpen.

Cubs: Mason Tobin, RHP, from Angels: Didn't pitch this year; has just 96 innings of pro experience over four years due to persistent health problems. Has a 2.43 ERA with 75/34 K/BB in those innings. 23 years old, throws hard when his body lets him. Sold to Rangers.

Astros: Aneury Rodriguez, RHP, from Rays: 23 years old, posted 3.71 ERA with 100/51 K/BB in 124 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. 89-94 heat, decent curveball and changeup, could be a nice fifth starter.

Brewers: Patrick Egan, RHP, from Orioles: 26 years old, big at 6-8, 225, 3.44 ERA with 42/16 K/BB in 84 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, 2.64 GO/AO. Typical middle reliever who gets grounders, could help pen.

Mets: Bradley Emaus, 2B, from Blue Jays: 24 years old, hit .290/.397/.476 between Double-A and Triple-A. So-so tools, but draws walks and has some power, could stick as a useful bench option with a solid bat.

Padres: George Kontos, RHP, from Yankees: 25 years old, posted 3.60 ERA with 38/15 K/BB in 45 innings at three levels. Throws fairly hard, has a good slider, but track record is erratic and he has had both command and injury issues. Could stick in pen.

Twins: Scott Diamond, LHP, from Braves: 24 years old, 3.46 ERA with a 123/54 K/BB in 159 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. Gets some sink on his average fastball (1.77 GO/AO), has good breaking stuff, and throws strikes. That sounds like the perfect profile for the Twins.

Yankees: Robert Fish, LHP, from Angels : 22 years old, 6.79 ERA with 73/26 K/BB in 58 innings with76 hits allowed between High-A and Double-A. Stats are very ugly, also posted an 10.45 ERA in the Arizona Fall League, but he throws hard for a lefty at 93-95 MPH. Seems unlikely to stick to me.

Rays: Cesar Cabral, LHP, from Red Sox: 21 years old, pitched well in Sally League (0.29 ERA, 35/7 K/BB in 31 innings) but poorly in Carolina League (5.81 ERA, 45/14 K/BB was good but gave up 60 hits in 48 innings). Works in low 90s, can throw strikes, another potential LOOGY.

Phillies: Michael Martinez, IF, from Nationals: 28 years old, hit .272/.312/.408 with 23 steals between Double-A and Triple-A. Good glove, some speed, but undersized at 5-9, 145, and has little upside given his age. I can't say I understand this pick.

Nationals: Brian Broderick, RHP, from Cardinals:  24 years old, 2.77 ERA with 55/14 K/BB in 101 innings in Double-A. Throws strikes with ease and picks up some grounders, velocity is average, 88-93, changes speeds. Strikeout rate is very low.

Astros: Lance Pendleton, RHP, from Yankees: Went 12-5, 3.61 with a 133/57 K/BB in 155 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.  Older guy at age 27, throws strikes with average stuff, could be OK as fifth starter or long reliever.

Mets: Pedro Beato, RHP, from Orioles: 24 years old, former hot prospect had a good season after converting to relief, 2.11 ERA with 50/19 K/BB in 60 innings in Double-A, 16 saves. I can see him sticking in the Mets pen.

Yankees: Daniel Turpen, RHP, from Red Sox: 24 years old, 4.30 ERA with 60/28 K/BB in 69 innings in Double-A. 1.59 GO/AO due to 90-94 MPH sinker. Could be a useful ROOGY option.