Rule 5 Draft thread...

[TheHurl]

Thursday is the Rule 5 draft and the Jays now have a spot open and according those that post here will lose like 40 players. So I started a thread on it. I don't actually think the Jays will make a selection but this is where Cistulli can shine.

The 2018 MLB Rule 5 draft order:

1. Baltimore

2. Kansas City

3. Chicago White Sox

4. Miami (currently full roster)

5. Detroit

6. San Diego (full roster)

7. Cincinnati

8. Texas

9. San Francisco

10. Toronto

11. New York Mets

12. Minnesota

13. Philadelphia

14. Los Angeles Angels

15. Arizona

16. Washington

17. Pittsburgh (full roster)

18. St. Louis

19. Seattle

20. Atlanta (full roster)

21. Tampa Bay (full roster)

22. Colorado

23. Cleveland

24. Los Angeles Dodgers (full roster)

25. Chicago Cubs

26. Milwaukee

27. Oakland

28. New York Yankees (full roster)

29. Houston

30. Boston

 

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/toolshed-2018-rule-5-draft-preview/c-301634300

 

By Sam Dykstra / MiLB.com | December 11, 2018 10:00 AM

 

LAS VEGAS -- For anyone who's never seen the Rule 5 Draft in person, let's set the scene.

 

This is nothing like the Rule 4 Draft (i.e. the First-Year Player Draft) that took place in June. There aren't cameras all around. There isn't a studio crew breaking down each pick for minutes at a time. The commissioner isn't around to announce each name or take a photo with the latest pick. There's no studio crowd. There's no studio at all.

 

The Rule 5 Draft occurs in a convention ballroom early Thursday at the Winter Meetings. It's the last event on the calendar. (This year's event is scheduled for 9 a.m. PT in the Islander Ballroom at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, for those keeping score at home.) It's filled with mostly Major League front-office members scrambling in, coffees in hand, while members of their scouting or player-development departments walk to the microphone to announce each selection. It's a room with little fanfare.

 

It's also the room where dreams become reality.

 

In the Rule 5 Draft, eligible players are taken by participating organizations with the express intent on giving prospects real shots at making a Major League roster for a full season. If the player can't stick for a full season, he's offered back to his original club for $50,000, half of what a Rule 5 acquisition initially costs. Rule 5-eligible players are those signed at 19 or older who have played four seasons or more of pro ball or signed at 18 or younger and have played five seasons or more. The deadline to protect such players on the 40-man roster this year was on Nov. 20. A roundup of protected MLB.com ranked prospects can be found here.

 

As for those still left unprotected, here's a breakdown of some of the bigger-named ranked prospects who could be chosen in the 2018 Rule 5 Draft:

 

Richie Martin, shortstop, Athletics: This was one of the bigger unprotected shockers on Deadline Day. The A's took Martin out of the University of Florida with the 20th overall pick in 2015, and the 23-year-old shortstop was coming off his best offensive season yet, one in which he hit .300/.368/.439 with career highs in homers (six) and stolen bases (25) over 118 games with Double-A Midland. His 121 wRC+ ranked eighth among Texas League qualifiers. (A's coordinator of instruction Ed Sprague said an offseason move to contacts might have helped with his vision and his bat.) Martin is considered a plus defender at a premium position with good range and a plus arm. He also played some second base in 2018, showing much-needed versatility for a potential Rule 5 pick. A lack of a track record may have hurt Martin's chances in the A's eyes, considering Oakland's No. 12 prospect hadn't hit higher than .237 in his first three Minor League seasons. But Martin's defensive prowess and above-average speed could definitely be of use to a Major League club right away, and his bat improved enough to bring potential value as well. Any club in need of infield help should be giving Martin a long look Thursday.

 

 

Josh Ockimey, first baseman, Red Sox: The No. 10 Red Sox prospect has been hailed as a potential power option in the middle of a lineup since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2014 Draft, and he took another step forward in that department by posting career highs in home runs (20) and slugging percentage (.455) between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket this season. However, he slugged just .398 and struck out in 35.2 percent of his plate appearances in 27 games at the Minors' highest level and then struggled even more so in the competitive Arizona Fall League, where he batted .172/.280/.250 with one homer in 18 contests. Put that together with the fact that Ockimey's glove and lack of speed anchors him to first base, and he wound up on the wrong side of the Rule 5 protection fence. Still, his pop from the left side could be useful in a Major League platoon, and he does have potential, should he make more regular contact. A club that sees that might be willing to give him a Major League shot a little early.

 

 

Max Schrock, second baseman, Cardinals: There might not be a better pure hitter available in the Rule 5 Draft than the Cardinals' No. 11 prospect, a career .304 hitter over four seasons in the Nationals, A's and Cardinals systems. Statistically, he took a step back in 2018, batting just .249/.296/.331 with a 63 wRC+ in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but dig deeper and there's still a lot to like about his offensive profile. The left-handed hitter struck out in only 7.9 percent of his plate appearances, third-lowest among 118 qualified Triple-A hitters. His .260 BABIP was second-lowest among the same group and much lower than his career mark of .319. The 2018 season was very much an outlier for him at the plate. With Schrock also playing third base and left field this past season, he could be of use to a club looking for an immediate utilityman who might turn out to be even more than that if he brings his pre-2017 bat to the Majors.

 

Dom Nunez, catcher, Rockies/Ali Sanchez, catcher, Mets: Backup catchers who can bring value defensively usually have a place in the Rule 5 Draft, and these two would seemingly fit the bill. Nunez is the more experienced of the two, having played two straight seasons at Double-A Hartford, and is coming off a season in which he threw out 38 percent of attempted basestealers in the Eastern League. However, Colorado's No. 27 prospect went unprotected last year as well and was unpicked in part because of his bat -- a tool that didn't improve in 2018. Sanchez was further away this year, splitting time between Class A Columbia and Class A Advanced St. Lucie, but he may have even better defensive tools than Nunez. Sanchez caught 41.9 percent of attempted basestealers in 2018, and his receiving skills are considered to be plus. With front offices placing higher values on framing, New York's 23rd-ranked prospect could be of use right away behind the plate, even if his bat isn't quite up to snuff just yet (.294 OBP, .681 OPS in 2018).

 

 

Riley Ferrell, right-handed pitcher, Astros: Back on June 27 -- the day Ferrell was promoted from Double-A Corpus Christi to Triple-A Fresno -- it definitely looked like Houston's No. 17 prospect would be a lock for Rule 5 protection, if not a Major League debut in the second half. The 25-year-old right-hander posted a 1.90 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings, overcoming control issues in which he walked 17.3 percent of batters he faced. That wild side caught up to him in the Pacific Coast League, however, where Ferrell posted a 6.75 ERA, a 1.79 WHIP and 16 walks in 28 innings. Still between both spots, Ferrell fanned 67 batters in 51 2/3 innings (or 28.5 percent), thanks to a plus fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a plus slider. A Ferrell pick gambles that the Major League club can corral that stuff and help Ferrell find the zone with more regularity. If he can, he's got the pitches to be a late-inning weapon quickly.

 

Tyler Jay, left-handed pitcher, Twins: At No. 6 overall, Jay is the highest eligible player from the 2015 Draft to go unprotected. Of course, a lot has happened since then. The Twins initially took the University of Illinois left-hander with the dream of converting him from a reliever to a full-fledged starting pitcher on the strength of his four-pitch mix. Three-plus years later, Jay has yet to pitch more than 83 2/3 innings in a Minor League season -- neck and shoulder injuries played their part -- and was back to being a full-time reliever this year at Double-A Chattanooga. He posted a 4.22 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 20 walks in 59 2/3 innings with the Lookouts -- mediocre numbers at best. There's still the off chance an organization in need of left-handed bullpen help could be willing to take a cheap look at Jay. Minnesota's No. 22 prospect can still throw in the mid-90s, and his slider can be above-average at times.

 

 

Spencer Adams, right-handed pitcher, White Sox: On stuff alone, Adams might not get in here the way baseball used to operate. The No. 26 White Sox prospect doesn't have a true plus pitch and throws around 90 mph with his fastball. Control might be the best skill on his scouting report. That led to very few missed bats in 2018 as the 22-year-old fanned only 95 over 159 innings between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte. However, he did put up solid traditional stats, like a 3.19 ERA in 90 1/3 innings at the Minors' highest level. Adams' stuff might be more hittable the more a batter sees him. In fact, first-inning hitters batted just .212 against him in the International League while that jumped to .339 in the third. However with his pitchability, he could handle turning over a Major League lineup once or twice. That might make him perfect for a club looking for a long man to come out of the bullpen following what's been called "the opener." Adams' lack of K's makes him a severe dark horse Thursday, but if his name does get called, this type of role could be a big reason why.

 

 

Junior Fernandez, right-handed pitcher, Cardinals: Who doesn't love a heater? Fernandez has one of the best available in the Rule 5 Draft. MLB.com grades it as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, and he earns that mark by hitting the upper-90s with regularity. His changeup also can be a weapon, though St. Louis' 14th-ranked prospect lacks the quality third pitch to make starting pitching a real option. He went unprotected in part because of control issues (18 walks in 30 2/3 innings overall), general production (5.14 ERA in 16 appearances at Double-A) and arm health issues. But the stuff is too good to be ignored in a Draft with a history of favoring high-octane potential relievers.

[jays4life19]

1. Sam McWilliams, RHP, Rays

McWIlliams has already been traded twice. A Phillies draft pick, he was shipped to Arizona in the Jeremy Hellickson trade and then was one of the players to be named acquired by the Rays in last offseason's three-team Steven Souza-Brandon Drury trade. McWilliams is a big (6-foot-7) righthander who has always had a firm fastball (90-94 mph) and a solid slider, but he's been improving his changeup to the point where it's a viable third pitch. His stats at Double-A Montgomery were hurt by a ballooning home run rate, but at his best he shows the traits of a back-of-the-rotation starter.

 

2. Riley Ferrell, RHP, Astros

Ferrell had a rocky return this season in his second year back from shoulder surgery, but he has the same swing-and-miss stuff he had when the Astros drafted him in the third round in 2015. What he doesn't have is the control to know where that stuff is going--he walked nearly six batters per nine innings this season. When they were rebuilding years ago, the Astros had success nabbing Josh Fields in the Rule 5 draft with a similar profile (big stuff, poor control). Now someone could try to do the same thing to the Astros.

 

3. Richie Martin, SS, Athletics

Martin has long faced questions about his bat, but he's shortstop with excellent hands and a plus arm. And in his third stint at Double-A Midland, he hit .302/.370/.442. As a shortstop with some success hitting in Double-A, he immediately becomes a very interesting Rule 5 candidate. Some scouts question his range, as they say he's less athletic than he used to be and his body is slowing down.

 

Ray-Patrick Didder, SS/OF, Braves

Didder is a backup, but he's a very versatile backup. Everyone got to watch him play second, third and shortstop in the Arizona Fall League and he's shown in the past that he can be an above-average center fielder. Didder is a plus runner with a plus arm, excellent versatility and an ability to help as a pinch runner, utility infielder/outfielder and a low-impact pinch hitter who makes contact but doesn't have much power. He has a lower ceiling than what many teams look for in a Rule 5 pick, but he can help a big league team in 2019, which is something many Rule 5 candidates can't say.

 

Jairo Beras, RHP, Rangers

Beras converted from the outfield to the pitching mound and immediately showed exceptional arm speed. He's touched 100 mph and in his better outings he'll sit 95-98. His velocity does vary from outing to outing, but he showed surprisingly impressive feel for someone so new to the mound and he struck out 12.5 per nine innings in 54 innings with high Class A Down East while holding opponents to a .180 average.

 

Jackson McClelland, RHP, Blue Jays

McClelland spent most of 2018 in a return to high Class Dunedin before a late-season bump up to Double-A New Hampshire. He also pitched in the Arizona Fall League where he held righthanders to a .125 batting average and slugging percentage but a frightening .417 on-base percentage. McClelland throws harder now than he did in college at Pepperdine as he now sits 97-98 and touches 100. His delivery hides the ball well, but he does face control issues.

 

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Troy Stokes Jr. Shows Power-Speed Combo

The 2014 fourth-rounder out of high school cemented a place on the 40-man roster with a strong showing at Double-A and then the Venezuelan League.

 

Kean Wong, 2B, Rays

Wong is a lefthanded-hitting second baseman who had two productive years at Triple-A Durham. He hit .282/.345/.406 this past season while playing second base, third base, left field and center field. What hurts Wong as a Rule 5 candidate is his below-average arm. For teams who like to shift, Wong struggled to make those throws from short right field when he was shifted at second. But he can hit and is big league ready and his hands work well at second base.

 

Jake Gatewood, 1B/3B, Brewers

A torn ACL that required surgery may actually make it easier for Gatewood to be a Rule 5 pick. Because of the injury, Gatewood could begin the year on the disabled list, head out in June for a injury rehab assignment in the minors and join the big league club in July. By doing so, he could still fulfill Rule 5 requirements by being on the active roster for 90 days. Outfielder/first baseman Anthony Santander followed a similar path for the Orioles as a Rule 5 pick in 2016 following shoulder surgery. Gatewood has some of the best power potential among eligible players, but his home runs have come with plenty of strikeouts and a .302 on-base percentage last season at Double-A Biloxi. A team picking him would be wise to view Gatewood as a four corners player (left, right, third and first) rather than the first baseman he's primarily been with Milwaukee. The former shortstop is a much better athlete than most first baseman and has a strong arm.

 

Reed Garrett, RHP, Rangers

Garrett took a nice step forward in 2018 as improved control paid off in excellent results as he both threw more strikes and did a better job of keeping the ball in the ballpark. Garrett now has more than 200 innings of Double-A/Triple-A experience with a mid-90s fastball and a hard slider.

 

Zach Thompson, RHP, White Sox

Thompson spent the previous two seasons getting rocked around the Carolina League as a starter. But a move to the bullpen paid off as Thompson was much more effective and simply a better pitcher in 2018. He now can rely heavily on his 93-94 mph fastball and an at least average cutter. He proved hard to hit at high Class A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham and struck out more than a batter an inning.

 

Others To Watch

 

Power Hitting Corner Bats

 

Teams rarely look or find sluggers in the Rule 5 draft. For National League teams, the idea of carrying a bench power bat has become tougher and tougher unless they can provide some defensive versatility. The path is a little easier in the American League, but teams are often reluctant to turn over the DH role to a rookie.

 

Josh Ockimey, 1B, Red Sox

It's understandable that the Red Sox left Ockimey unprotected--the club's biggest strength in the minors is corner infield power bats, and two of the prospects ahead of him on the depth chart can play first and third base while Ockimey is stretched at first base. But Ockimey has a track record of hitting for reasonable power and he gets on base. A rebuilding team could decide that he's worth a look as a first baseman/DH with power and walks.

 

Roberto Ramos, 1B, Rockies

Ramos' power will play in the big leagues He hit 32 home runs last season between high Class A Lancaster and Double-A Hartford. Ramos posts consistently excellent exit velocities and draws plenty of walks to go with his power. Working against him getting picked is his lack of upper-level minor league experience (only 199 at-bats at Double-A) and his lack of versatility. It's very hard for teams to carry a backup who is limited to playing first base only.

 

Drew Ward, 3B, Nationals

Ward was unprotected and unpicked last year and the same will likely be true this season. He returned to Double-A Harrisburg for a second consecutive season. He did show some modest improvement, but he isn't showing the power production that would be expected from his raw power. He has timing issues and strikes out too much. Also, he played more first base than third base this year as he faces more questions about his glove at third.

 

Lewin Diaz, 1B, Twins

A year ago, Diaz named bounced around the lobby at the Winter Meetings as a potential pick who could be stashed by a rebuilding team even though he'd yet to play above low Class A. In the end no one decided to take that chance. A year later, it's harder to make a case for him to be picked. Diaz missed the final two months of the season with a thumb injury, but he posted a .224/.255/.344 line with high Class A Fort Myers before his injury.

 

Lefty Relievers

 

Around baseball in general there is less demand for left-on-left specialists and trying to find such a player in the Rule 5 draft has generally been an exercise in futility--they best recent success story is Tigers lefty Daniel Stumpf, a two-time Rule 5 pick who failed to stick. Because he was a two-time Rule 5 pick, by rule he could opt for free agency, which he did and then re-signed with the Tigers. Most of the lefty specialists on this list have at least some ability to handle righthanded hitters as well.

 

Rob Kaminsky, LHP, Indians

Kaminsky has had trouble staying healthy recently. He sprained his elbow ligament in 2017, although he was able to rehab it without surgery. He then missed the first half of the 2018 season with an abdomen strain. But he was back on the mound to pitch effectively at high Class A Lynchburg, Double-A Akron and in the Arizona Fall League after he shook off some initial rust (he walked seven of 11 batters he faced over two late-June outings and then allowed only 13 walks over his next 35 innings. The Cardinals' 2013 first-round pick now throws from a low slot that makes his low 90s fastball and mid-80s slider effective in same-side matchups. He held lefties to a .188/.250/.271 line at Akron.

 

D.J. Snelten, LHP, Orioles

Snelten had a brief and unsuccessful stint with the Giants last season before being waived and claimed by the Orioles. Snelten's stuff is fringy, but he was quite effective in 2017 when he held lefties to a .158 average. Snelten depends on deception and funkiness.

 

Ryan Sherriff, LHP, Rays

Sherriff will miss at least half the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, which led to the Cardinals waiving him off the 40-man roster. The Rays signed him to a minor league contract. The injury makes it unlikely he'll get picked, but he's a lefty with some MLB experience (20 innings between 2017 and 2018).

 

Chris Lee, LHP, Orioles

Lee was considered one of the better pitching prospects in the Orioles system not that long ago, but his 2018 season got off to a late start because of a shoulder injury. He's battled injuries throughout his stint with the Orioles, making him a risky pick, but if he's healthy his fastball has plenty of sink.

 

Luis Gonzalez, LHP, Orioles

Gonzales above-average fastball-cutter combo was effective at Double-A Bowie where he struck out 58 in 45.2 innings. It was less effective in a late-season bump to Triple-A.

 

Josh Smoker, LHP, Dodgers

Smoker threw 56 innings for the Mets in 2017 and had brief stints with the Pirates and Tigers last season. He has more value as a reliever who can be brought up as needed than one to be carried all season on the big league roster, but it only takes one team who thinks differently.

 

Middle Infielders

 

Max Schrock, 2B, Cardinals

Schrock is well-traveled (he's been traded twice) and he's coming off of his worst year in pro ball, but until last season he'd hit wherever he'd played. He's a fringy defender at second base and doesn't have much defensive versatility (he can't play shortstop) which hurts his case as a Rule 5 pick, but a team who believe he's a plus hitter could be enticed.

 

Hard-Throwing Relievers

 

Nowadays almost all relievers are hard-throwing relievers, but the allure of drafting a 100-mph fireballer is less than it used to be. Nowadays every team has numerous relievers with a mid-to-high 90s fastball and sometimes a second pitch. That said, teams still will at least consider the chance to land a power arm.

 

Junior Fernandez, RHP, Cardinals

Fernandez didn't throw as consistently hard in 2018 as he has in the past. He's also had a long list of injuries and has yet to develop the secondary pitches to give him survival skills in the major leagues. All of that makes it unlikely he'll get picked and less likely he'll stick, but he does have a very good arm.

 

Roel Ramirez, RHP, Cardinals

Ramirez was sent to the Cardinals in last season's Tommy Pham trade. He has had modest Double-A success (2.95 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 9.8 K/9) to go with massive stuff that includes a high-90s mph fastball.

 

Ronald Pena, RHP, Nationals

Pena has been a late-bloomer, but he made significant strides in 2018 as he pitched in the high Class A Carolina League all-star game and was promoted to Double-A for the second half of the season. He's touched 100 mph and generally works in the high 90s with a power slider that earns average and above-average grades. Pena's control suffered after his bump to Double-A, but he continued to strike out more than a batter an inning, so the 27-year-old might entice a team, although his still fringy control will urge caution.

 

Jose Moreno, RHP, Mets

Moreno missed all of 2016, so his development has been slowed, which explains why he's Rule 5 eligible before he's ever reached full season ball. He has an excellent arm and a good frame, but pitchers don't jump from the Appalachian League to the big leagues, even in the Rule 5 draft.

 

Jordan Guerrero, RHP, Padres

There are two Rule 5 eligible Jordan Guerrero's which will make for some significant confusion. The righthanded Guerrero is a 22-year-old righthander who was a sixth-round pick of the Padres in 2015 out of Polk State (Fla.) JC. Guerrero has long had a high-octane fastball, but he has zero upper-level experience. Guerrero struggled with his control in a return to low Class A Fort Wayne (and was suspended for a national anthem staredown). He's massive (close to 300 pounds), but he finished the season by throwing 22 scoreless outings for short-season Tri-City as he allowed only nine hits in 22.1 innings. He sits in the upper 90s and has touched 100 mph while trying to blow hitters away.

 

Diogenes Almengo, RHP, Orioles

Almengo was released by the Astros last winter after four seasons in rookie ball and short-season. The Orioles picked him up, held him back in extended spring training but then watched him graduate from the New York-Penn League to the South Atlantic League, where he finished the season by striking out 19 in 14.1 innings. He has a big high-90s fastball and a quality changeup but he's far, far away and doesn't have a usable breaking ball.

 

Aneurys Zabala, RHP, Reds

Acquired from the Dodgers in last July's Dylan Floro trade, Zabala has long lit up radar guns but he hasn't had results to match the velocity. He's yet to pitch above low Class A and he has control issues (5.7 BB/9 and only 7.3 K/9 in 2018).

 

Johan Quezada, RHP, Twins

Quezada has 9.2 innings of experience in full season ball, so he's a reasonable risk to leave unprotected. But Quezada has a big arm and is showing signs of figuring out his control. It's hard to see him being picked or sticking on an MLB roster even as a stashed player, but he's a promising arm.

 

Stetson Allie, RHP, Dodgers

A 2010 first-round pick of the Pirates, Allie switched from pitching to hitting in 2012, leaving a trail of dented backstops in his wake. But when being a power hitter didn't work out, he moved back to the mound in 2017. He still has near bottom-of-the-scale control, but Allie does have one of the best arms in baseball. He can sit 98-99 mph with his fastball and mixes in a hard slider. He actually has some feel too, as he'll mess with hitter's timing, but his best weapon is the fear batters have because his scattershot control means any pitch could accidentally be heading right at them.

 

Hector Lujan, RHP, Twins

Lujan hasn't pitched above high Class A, but he has had success (5-5, 2.65 with 8.5 K/9, 2.8 BB/9) and he showed a 94-96 mph fastball and a hard slider in the Arizona Fall League.

 

Starters/Relievers With Length And Feel

 

Cy Sneed, RHP, Astros

Sneed has long been a productive pitcher, but he's developed into a slightly harder-throwing, well-rounded pitcher who profiles as a Rule 5 pick as a multi-inning reliever who can fill in as a spot starter. He mixes a fastball, curve, split and change while touching 93-94 mph. His control and command waver, but he has a track record of getting outs.

 

Matt Blackham, RHP, Mets

Blackham has a lengthy medical history (ulnar transposition surgery and an elbow fracture), but he's been healthy for the past two seasons and he's been extremely effective. He held hitters to a .170 average last season between high Class A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton with an effective fastball-knuckle curve-changeup combination.while striking out 11.7 batters per nine innings.

 

Chris Ellis, RHP, Cardinals

Acquired by the Cardinals in 2016's Jaime Garcia trade, Ellis has bounced between starting and relieving and he's bounced between being a finesse pitcher and more of a power arm. His velocity has spiked into the mid-90s when working out of then bullpen but his slider is not the swing-and-miss pitch scouts expected it to develop into. Ellis is durable and he's tamed some of the control problems he faced earlier in his career. He went 10-4, 3.93 with a 1.17 WHIP in 2018.

 

Casey Meisner, RHP, Cardinals

Meisner was once a key part of the A's haul when they sent Tyler Clippard to the Mets. His career has somewhat stagnated since then and he was traded again last spring. Meisner has a plus changeup to go with an average fastball, but he has yet to develop a quality breaking ball. A team picking Meisner would likely be betting on their ability to get a little more from a lanky 23-year-old who still has potential to grow.

 

Brandon Waddell, LHP, Pirates

Waddell is a back-of-the-rotation starter/long reliever. The former Virginia star mixes a fringe-average fastball and an above-average changeup with a fearlessness that makes it work. He doesn't have a lot of margin for error, but he has upper-level minor league experience and has generally been durable.

 

Fourth Outfielders

 

It's unrealistic to think that any outfielder picked in the Rule 5 draft is going to step in and be a regular (although it has happened in the cases of Odubel Herrera and Josh Hamilton). So usually Rule 5 outfielders are versatile outfielders who can play a variety of positions as a backup.

 

Alec Keller, OF, Nationals

Keller hit .337/.393/.446 between high Class A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg last season. He's primarily a corner outfielder, although a team picking him is likely going to want to try to see if he can play center well enough to be a true outfielder. Keller's tools are a little limited compared to some of the other guys on this list, but he has 400 Double-A at-bats and has consistently gotten on-base, albeit with very little power.

 

Michael Gettys, OF, Padres

Gettys still has the power and speed that enamored the Padres when they took him in the second round in 2014. But those positives have been buried under an avalanche of strikeouts. Gettys can play an excellent center field and his plus arm holds baserunners at bay. When he connects he can also drive the ball. But he has never connected enough to let his outstanding tools play. A team in need of a backup center fielder could sniff around, but there are players with similar profiles on the edges of 40-man rosters at the end of spring training.

 

Drew Ferguson, OF, Astros

A fractured wrist cost Ferguson two months last year, but when he was on the field he did what he usually does by hitting for average and getting on-base. Ferguson doesn't match the upside of some other players on this list, but he does a lot of little things well. He can play all three outfield spots, does an excellent job of working counts and generally fits the profile of a fourth outfielder. The 26-year-old has nearly 700 at-bats at Double-A and Triple-A.

 

Rafael Bautista, OF, Nationals

If not for a significant knee injury, Bautista would have a decent case for a team looking for a backup outfielder to play defense and pinch run. Bautista has actually filled that role briefly in D.C. before in 2016 and 2017. His talents are less useful to a Nationals team that already has Victor Robles, and Bautista has plenty of injury issues on his resume. But when healthy, he's been an outstanding basestealing threat with three seasons of more than 40 steals and he covers plenty of ground in center field.

 

Catchers

 

It's always hard to carry a catcher as a Rule 5 pick because the player picked either has to be the team's primary backup, which is a tough assignment for any Rule 5 pick, or he has to be carried as a third catcher, which ruins roster flexibility. Neither approach has worked all that well in recent years. The Reds carried Stuart Turner primarily as a No. 3 catcher before designating his for assignment at the end of the season. Oscar Hernandez and Luis Torrens are examples of team's taking a developmental catcher. It didn't work with Hernandez, but the jury is still out on Torrens.

 

Jhonny Pereda, C, Cubs

The track record for RUle 5 catchers without upper level minor league experience is an ugly one, and Pereda has yet to play above high Class A. But he has a future backup catcher profile with some strength and athleticism to go with the drive and determination teams like in their catchers. He has some solid power potential although his bat speed may limit his ability to hit for average.

 

Brett Sullivan, C, Rays

Sullivan was caught in a little bit of a numbers game with the Rays. They had a full 40-man roster and they also had a couple of Triple-A catchers in Michael Perez and Nick Ciuffo who are already on the 40-man roster with similar skill sets. A former shortstop who the Rays converted to catcher, Sullivan has made excellent strides to develop into a solid defender. The lefthanded hitter has a light bat, which is the biggest question he faces as to whether he fits a backup catcher profile.

 

David Rodriguez, C, Rays

Rodriguez is not ready for the big leagues, but he's more ready than Oscar Hernandez did when the D-Backs picked the then-Rays catcher in 2014. Rodriguez is a solid defender with some offensive potential. But he hit .230/.286/.337 at Double-A Mongtomery and the 22-year-old could use some more seasoning.

 

 

Ali Sanchez, C, Mets

Sanchez was voted the best defensive catcher in the Mets system last year. He calls a good game and is an excellent pitch presenter who can steal strikes. He's in no way ready to hit in the major leagues (he posted a sub-.300 on-base percentage in Class A) but if a team is looking for a glove-only backup, he could be enticing.

 

QUARTERBACKS

 

Russell Wilson, 2B/QB, Yankees

Wilson has been picked twice in previous minor league Rule 5 drafts. It's actually a semi-useful gambit. Wilson shows up during spring training and provides an interesting fan boost for a spring training home game. In essence, the $12,000 minor league Rule 5 price is an appearance fee. And then, when someone else picks him in a year or two, you get your $12,000 back.

 

 

Jeff Driskel, QB/OF, Red Sox

Driskel has never played a game for the Red Sox, but he did sign a contract, so the Bengals current starting quarterback is also Rule 5 eligible.

 

Minor League Rule 5 Picks

 

 

Predicting Minor League Rule 5 picks is very difficult, but we actually have a couple of names that make some sense. There's actually a lot of interest among scouts in scouring through the eligible lists to find a useful player in the minor league phase. There have even been rumors bouncing around that teams have contacted the Orioles trying to trade for the No. 1 pick in the minor league phase of the draft.

 

 

Players in the minor league phase do not have any further roster requirements. As soon as they are picked, they are part of their new organizations and do not have any situations where they are offered back.

 

 

Taylor Grover, RHP, Reds

Grover recently signed with the Reds after an excellent season pitching in independent ball in the American Association and Atlantic League. Grover can touch 100+ (he's touched 102). He's a little wild, but he has an intriguing fastball-slider combination.

 

 

Sam Moll, LHP, Blue Jays

Moll pitched in the big leagues for the Athletics in 2017. It was a brief stint and an ineffective one, but it's not often a team can pick up a recent big leaguer in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Last winter Moll was waived and claimed on three separate occasions. He's since had an elbow injury, but he's back on the mound and throwing this winter, making him a potentially useful MiLB Rule 5 pick.

[jays4life19]

Damn that's quite the wall of text

[glory]

If Cistulli has any say in this draft then we might as well have a Jays uniform custom made for Max Schrock.

[TheHurl]

Damn that's quite the wall of text

 

The kids need to learn to read. I was all ready to post that one as well.

[P2F]

Best list:

 

http://www.orioleshangout.com/2018/12/10/lukes-2018-rule-5-draft-preference-list/

[jays4life19]

The kids need to learn to read. I was all ready to post that one as well.

 

Touche.

 

_____

 

Rule 5 Preview: Pitchers

Scott Delp

December 11, 2018

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MLB’s Rule 5 Draft takes place this Thursday to wrap up the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. More and more, this is becoming an avenue for teams who are not expecting to be in contention to fill out the back end of their 25-man roster with inexpensive players who might be useful down the road. Of the 18 players taken in the Major League phase of last season’s draft, at least seven stayed with new teams.

 

In recent times, Odubel Herrera of the Phillies is probably the most famous success story of the Rule 5 draft, but there have been several players just as successful in years past, including Johan Santana and Roberto Clemente.

 

The rules of the draft are simple, players signed at age 18 or younger are eligible for the draft if they are not added to the 40-man roster by the end of their fifth pro season while players signed at age 19 or older are eligible after just four pro seasons if they are not added to the 40-man. Teams may only make selections in the draft if they have space available on their 40-man rosters. The catch is that the players chosen must remain on the 25-man roster of the drafting team for the entire season or they must be offered back to the original team. You can read a more detailed description here.

 

While there are a number of places where you can find the names of more high-profile players available, like Oakland’s Richie Martin, Boston’s Josh Ockimey, the Braves’ Travis Demeritte, Junior Fernandez and Max Schrock of the Cardinals or Tyler Jay of the Twins, we are going to look at some less visible players who may hold some intrigue to the right team. Yesterday, we discussed several hitters who might be useful. Today, we will look at pitchers.

 

Pitchers may be a bit more likely to be able to stick with new teams for several reasons as they can be used in some softer spots and can sometimes find themselves on the DL for part of the time without jeopardizing their status with their new teams. We will be looking largely for players with an ability to become part of the new approach to bullpen usage as that might make for the easiest and most efficient way for a pitcher to remain on the roster throughout the season.

 

Player Name, Age (as of July 1, 2019), Highest Level in 2018, Current Organization

 

Travis Radke, 26, Triple-A, San Diego Padres

 

The AFL serves a number of purposes for MLB teams. Some players go there to see how they might perform against slightly tougher competition. Some go because they need extra work because they missed some time due to injury. And then there are guys that organizations need to make decisions on for Rule 5 purposes and they want to get one more look. Radke fits in this latter category as the Padres had a tough decision to make on him. Chosen in the 25th round of the 2014 draft, Radke made it to High-A by the end of 2015, though he missed all of the next season and a good bit of 2017 after having Tommy John surgery. He came back strong this season, pitching across four levels and finishing in Triple-A. He performed well in the AFL as a multi-inning reliever but didn’t do quite enough to find a spot on San Diego’s 40-man roster.

 

Radke is a bit unusual in that he is an over the top lefty with a fringy fastball and an elite changeup. While he may not fit in the Padres’ plans, he seems just about MLB ready and he may well be able to use that changeup to get out enough MLB hitters to be of use in one of today’s bullpens.

 

Conor Lillis-White, 26, Triple-A, Los Angeles Angels

 

The Angels chose Lillis-White in the 32nd round of the 2015 draft and his career could have been over rather quickly. Due mostly to injuries, he spent all of his time in rookie ball until he was 25. He persevered through that and the Angels gave him the room to do so, and it began to pay off in 2017 when he finished in High-A and pitched 67 innings on the season. His 10.88 strikeout percentage opened some eyes but staying healthy for a full season was the biggest accomplishment.

 

Lillis-White is another lefty without a big fastball. His out pitch is a plus curve that is equally effective against batters from both sides. In 2018, he used his sinker more often and generated more ground ball contact. In 72 innings, he struck out 98 batters, but the extra ground balls found a few more holes, especially at Triple-A. He could be an asset in the bullpen of a team that has strong infield defense as the combination of sinker and curve could create a lot of quality outs.

 

Justin Donatella, 24, Double-A, Arizona Diamondbacks

 

A 15th-rounder in 2015 out of UC-San Diego, Donatella is a right-hander who fit right into what seemed to be a Diamondbacks’ plan to accumulate a bevy of tall starting pitching prospects. At 6-foot-6, he was able to get good downward plane on his fastball and that made it play up in spite of a lack of premium velocity.

 

Donatella is simply a guy who has gotten the job done at every level as he has made his way through the Arizona system. In 2017, he pitched the whole season in the California League and fared well for a pitcher with just average stuff. He moved to a more favorable pitching environment in Double-A in 2018 and continued to have good success. Donatella throws a fastball that will touch the low 90s occasionally and he adds a changeup that is a tick above average. He has good command that helps him limit hard contact. It seems that Donatella might be able to function in a major league role well enough to make him an intriguing pick, and if he were moved to a bullpen role, his limited repertoire might play up even more.

 

Harold Arauz, 24, Triple-A, Philadelphia Phillies

 

Signed as a 16-year-old by the Astros and traded to Philly in the deal for Ken Giles, Arauz is a righty who has advanced commensurate to his age. He had decent success in the Astros’ organization, but took a step forward after moving to the Phillies. The raw numbers make it look as if he regressed a bit in 2018 but it is important to realize that he spent the season in Reading, which is one of the more favorable hitting environments in the minor leagues.

 

Arauz is another pitcher with a slightly below average fastball, a slightly above average second pitch (in his case a curve), no consistent third pitch and good command. This makes him pretty much the norm for guys available in the Rule 5 draft. If we were looking at him from a prospect point of view, we would not be particularly impressed. We would not give him a second thought from a fantasy standpoint either. He could, however, be a useful bullpen piece or swingman in today’s game and picking him up to use him as a reliever this season, which could make his velocity tick up and negate the need for a third pitch, could be a wise move.

 

Jordan Guerrero, 25, Triple-A, Chicago White Sox

 

Guerrero has had his ups and downs since being selected by the White Sox in round 15 of the 2012 draft. The lefty was a top-10 prospect in the organization for a couple of seasons after pitching well in 2014 and 2015. A promotion to Double-A to start 2016 proved to be a speed bump as Guerrero’s previously solid control suffered.

 

He throws an average fastball that sits in the low 90s with some movement. He complements that with a plus changeup that has given him an ability to get right-handed batters out with some consistency. A lot of his struggles over the last year or so have been due to Guerrero’s over-dependence on his change and his inability to find a reliable third pitch.

 

A promotion to Triple-A in the second half of 2018 turned out to be a positive change. He seemed to use his sinker more, generating more ground ball contact than at any time since rookie ball. He also seemed to rely more on an improved slider as a possible third pitch. Guerrero won seven of his 12 Triple-A starts and posted an ERA of 3.46 in 65 innings. He could very well fill a swingman role for a rebuilding team.

 

Two More of Note

 

All of the above pitchers have a chance to be at least somewhat helpful this season. Beyond that, some could develop into back-end, 5/6 starter types or middle relievers. Also, there are a couple of guys who might be worth a pick to see if they can develop into something more down the road. These are lower level guys who we’ve found to be interesting who may not be very good this season, but if a team can find a way to keep them on the roster, there may be some value in the future.

 

The Yankees’ Reiver Sanmartin pitched at four different levels in 2018 and walked just four batters in 67 1/3 innings overall. The Yankees acquired Sanmartin last November from the Rangers, who had signed him as a 19-year-old IFA in 2015. He is a low-slot lefty who seems to have a chance to be more than just a lefty specialist as he has three pitches that can be average or better. His fastball is only 88-91, but he has a changeup and slider that both show promise. He can work the fastball around the zone with some movement and deception. Turning 23 next April, he just needs experience. He has thrown just over 200 innings as a pro, but If he can become more consistent with his changeup to give him a weapon to use against righties, he could turn into a useful 4/5 starter.

 

Another pitcher acquired in a trade, Alejandro Requena of the Phillies was slowed this season by injury. He is still just 22 but has only pitched as high as High-A. He came to Philadelphia from Colorado in the deal for Pat Neshek in 2017. Requena had pitched at Asheville for most of 2017 and performed very well in a park that greatly favors hitters. He didn’t get started at Clearwater until late-June of this season, but he showed many of the skills that brought him success at Asheville. He throws a fastball that he can sink and run and that sits 91-93. He also has a curve with good late movement that he throws at 79-81 and a changeup at 82-83. If Requena can get his command back to where it was in Asheville and firm up his change a bit to get a better velocity separation between it and his curve, there is some mid-rotation upside here.

[P2F]

Jays should draft Bryan "s***" Brickhouse.

 

It's been said by Luke Siler of Orioles Hangout fame that he often hits one hundo in relief.

[TheHurl]

We should call our "hottest Jay" our "preference list"

[tercet]

I met Jackson McClelland's parents several times this past summer/fall at various NH games and in the AFL in November. They mentioned how his FB went up 5mph~ this summer when he changed his delivery to go cross-body like Madison B, and Justin Miller.

 

His control isn't their quite yet, but I was shocked when they didn't protect him on the 40man considering how we are going to lose 95~ games next year, and should have a spot for him.

 

Him or Bergen are the only guys we have a chance of losing...

[Spanky__99]

From 2080... https://2080baseball.com/2018/11/rule-5-draft-preview-pt-1-top-protected-players/

 

OF's will be out tomorrow.

 

BY ADAM MCINTURFF 12/04/2018

MLB RULE 5 DRAFT PREVIEW (PT.2): STARTING PITCHERS

Feature Photo: Tyler Eppler, RHP, Pirates

 

Editor’s Note: This is the second edition of a multi-part series on this year’s Major League Baseball Rule 5 Draft, to be held Thursday, December 13 at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. For basic information on how the Rule 5 Draft works, you can click here. Previous installments of our Rule 5 Draft series are below:

 

Pt. 1: Top Protected Players

TOP OF THE CROP

Tyler Eppler, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 230 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 26y, 2m

 

Spotlight

 

Eppler doesn’t have huge velocity or a nasty off-speed pitch like some of the other arms on this list, but his durability and control of four pitches makes him a potential Rule 5 target. He has made more than 20 starts the last two seasons at Triple-A, pitching to a solid 3.59 ERA this year with low walk rate. He could survive a full season on a big league roster as a longman/spot-starter who soaks up low-leverage innings.

 

Jordan Romano, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 200 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 11m

 

Report | Video

 

Romano made one spot-start in Triple-A last year, but otherwise pitched the whole season in Double-A. He was named an all-star in the Eastern League, posting solid strikeout and walk totals across 25 starts for New Hampshire. Romano touches 95-to-96 mph as a starter, running his fastball as high as 98 mph in short stints. His slider flashes bat-missing potential at best, especially playing off an aired-out fastball from the ‘pen. A team could hope to make him a true backend starter long-term, using Romano as a hard-throwing opener or multi-inning longman this season.

 

Akeem Bostick, RHP, Houston Astros

Ht/Wt: 6’6” / 215 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 10m

 

Spotlight

 

Bostick has moved up the minor league ladder slowly, coming off his best season as a pro in 2018. The athletic righty pitched to a 3.48 ERA over 93 innings at Double-A, making two appearances with Triple-A Fresno at the end of the year. Bostick runs his fastball into the middle 90’s from a fluid arm stroke that generates riding life up in the zone. A mid-80’s slider is the primary off-speed offering, backed up by a developing changeup and show-me curve. There’s long-term starting potential given his durable frame and four-pitch mix, though he’s still raw enough that a contending team likely can’t afford to give him starting innings next year.

 

Sam McWilliams, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays

Ht/Wt: 6’7” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 6m

 

Spotlight | Report | Video

 

McWilliams came to the Rays in a mid-season trade, pitching 100.1 innings with Double-A Montgomery to finish the year. The extra-tall righty touches the middle 9o’s with his fastball with excellent natural extension from a 6-foot-7 frame. His slider is fringy, lacking depth at times but flashing signs of becoming an average offering. He limits walks well, though his actual in-zone command and third pitch lag behind other attributes. McWilliams is more of a long-term upside play, but a rebuilding team who could sacrifice a longman spot in the ‘pen could take a flyer on him.

 

Junior Fernandez, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 180 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 22y, 1m

 

Spotlight

 

Fernandez has battled biceps injuries the last two seasons, able to pitch just 30.2 innings in 2018 after working from the rotation in previous years. The flamethrowing righty runs his fastball up to the high-90s, though he has never missed as many bats as his stuff suggests. The go-to secondary is a changeup that flashes above-average upside. His fringy slider needs to develop more consistent depth in order to project as enough of a third pitch to start. Fernandez is a total upside play, though one who arguably has as much ceiling as any rotation candidate available in this year’s Rule 5 class. He isn’t truly ready to pitch in the big leagues, but a team that wants his long-term upside could sneak him in a bullpen spot given his velocity.

 

OTHER NOTABLES

Sorted alphabetically by MLB organization

 

Cody Reed, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

 

Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 245 lbs. B/T: R/L Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 22y, 9m

 

Arizona’s second-round pick in 2014, Reed missed all of last season with an injury. The big-bodied lefty touched the mid-90s with his fastball before the missed time and was coming off a breakout 2017: across two A-Ball stops, he pitched to a pristine 3.17 ERA and struck out roughly a batter per inning. He’s an unlikely Rule 5 pick, but if a team took a flyer on his ceiling they might be able to stash him on the DL for an extended period of time. In some way, Reed’s injury status makes him interesting in that he may not require an immediate roster spot, but a club can still acquire the player for the long-term potential.

 

Erick Leal, RHP, Chicago Cubs

Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 180 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 0m

 

Spotlight | Video

 

Leal missed the second half of 2016 and all of 2017 with Tommy John surgery. He had a bounceback 2018, pitching excellently for High A Myrtle Beach in a swingman role before a strong Arizona Fall League performance. He isn’t overpowering, but he throws a solid three-pitch mix for strikes, potentially fitting as a spot-starter or mop-up type in the big leagues.

 

Grayson Long, RHP, Detroit Tigers

 

Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 230 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 10m

 

Long is another Rule 5 candidate who likely would be on Detroit’s 40-Man roster had he not missed all of last season with an injury. He’s showed back-rotation or swingman ingredients in the past, a physical righty with a deep arsenal of pitches he can throw for strikes–none of them particularly dynamic.

 

Luis Pena, RHP, Los Angeles Angels

 

Ht/Wt: 5’11” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 7m

 

Spotlight

 

Pena’s fastball has touched the mid-90s and could reach higher in short-stints. He backs up a solid heater with two playable (fringy-average) off-speed pitches, a slurvy slider and decent change. Pena reached Triple-A at the end of 2018 and worked out of the rotation, though his issues limiting walks hurt him more than they did at Double-A. He’s a flexible piece that could pitch in a middle relief or mopup role next year if a team takes him in the Rule 5 and is willing to be patient on his long-term potential.

 

Anthony Misiewicz, LHP, Seattle Mariners

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/L Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 5m

 

Spotlight | Video

 

Misiewicz is a finesse lefty who throws three pitches for strikes. A leaner frame lacks starter’s durability, but he could be a Rule 5 target in a swingman role.

 

Jon Harris, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 175 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 5m

 

Spotlight

 

Toronto’s first-round selection in the 2015 Draft, Harris has stalled a bit at the Double-A level the past two seasons. He made two starts at Triple-A in the middle of 2018, but has spent most of his time since 2017 with New Hampshire in the Eastern League. His pitch mix might be more impactful in a relief role. Harris has a hard time missing bats and getting swinging strikes as a starter.

 

BY ADAM MCINTURFF 12/08/2018

MLB RULE 5 DRAFT PREVIEW (PT.3): RELIEF PITCHERS

Feature Photo: Sam Wolff, RHP, Giants

 

Editor’s Note: This is the third edition of a multi-part series on this year’s Major League Baseball Rule 5 Draft, to be held Thursday, December 13 at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. For basic information on how the Rule 5 Draft works, you can click here. Previous installments of our Rule 5 Draft series are below:

 

Pt. 1: Top Protected Players

Pt. 2: Starting Pitchers

TOP OF THE CROP

Sam Wolff, RHP, San Francisco Giants

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 204 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 27y, 11m

Report #1 | Report #2 | Video

 

Wolff transitioned to relief in 2017 and had great success, reaching Triple-A in the Rangers’ system before going down with injury late in the year. The Giants swapped LHP Matt Moore for Wolff and another prospect in December of 2017. Wolff missed the first few months of this season recovering from surgery, showing a power two-pitch mix upon returning. His fastball touches the 97-98 mph range when he’s fresh, backed up by a hard mid-80s slider. Wolff went to Fall League to build innings and his stuff was down a tick, but a team who saw him during the regular season could have Rule 5 interest in a ‘pen role.

 

Henry Martinez, RHP, Cleveland Indians

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 180 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 11m

Report | Video

 

Martinez pitched at three different levels last year, finishing 2018 in Triple-A. He had a few rocky outings to begin his career at the highest level of the minors–giving him an ugly statline for his time with Columbus–but settled and found a groove as he acclimated to the level. Catch Martinez on the right night, and his ceiling is arguably as high (or higher) than any arm on this list. He’s the rare power ‘pen arm that uses three pitches, teasing some ability to actually land both secondaries for strikes. Martinez is basically big league ready, adding to the likelihood he draws Rule 5 interest this December.

 

Art Warren, RHP, Seattle Mariners

Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 230 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 26y, 0m

 

Warren impressed in Mariners big league camp before heading to Double-A to begin last season. He battled injury in 2018, only able to appear in 15 games because of two different trips to the DL. Warren dominated last year when healthy and has enjoyed lots of success since moving to a ‘pen role in 2017. His fastball works in the mid-90s, paired with a hard slider that’s a Major League caliber off-speed pitch.

 

Jake Reed, RHP, Minnesota Twins

Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 26y, 6m

Spotlight

 

Reed has battled right shoulder injuries the last two seasons, hitting the DL with shoulder-related issues in both 2017 and 2018. Health aside, his overall polish and statistical track record at Triple-A should be attractive to teams who prefer a high-floor Rule 5 pick that can step in and contribute reliably. He backs up a mid-90s sinker with two playable off-speed pitches, though either his slider or change will have to play more consistently average in order to carve out a full-time ‘pen role in the big leagues. Reed’s ceiling isn’t as high as some other arms on this list, but the proximity and immediate value could make him a pick.

 

Taylor Guilbeau, LHP, Washington Nationals

Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 180 lbs. B/T: L/L Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 10m

Report | Spotlight | Video

 

Guilbeau’s stuff ticked way up in the Fall League, and despite the fact that’s he’ll turn 26 next season and hasn’t pitched above A-Ball, that performance has created some buzz around him entering Rule 5 season. His fastball reached 96 mph this fall, coupled with a hard slider and changeup that flashed effective dive away from righties. Guilbeau’s left-handed velocity could lead to him being selected this December, and the fact that he held same-side hitters to a .184/.298/.184 line during the regular season bodes well for his ability to pitch this season in a situational role.

 

Michael Matuella, RHP, Texas Rangers

Ht/Wt: 6’6” / 220 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 9m

Report | Video

 

Matuella was seen as a potential 1/1 candidate in the 2015 Draft entering his junior year at Duke. Health issues and an up-and-down spring dropped him to the third round, and he has battled the same type of inconsistency as a pro. Matuella moved to the ‘pen halfway through last season, and his loud raw stuff could immediately impact there. His fastball touches triple-digits in short-stints and he’s able to focus on just the heater and hard slider. Matuella’s draft pedigree and glimpses of plus pitches could put him on someone’s Rule 5 radar despite the ugly 2018 statline and lack of high-minors experience.

 

Danny Dopico, RHP, Chicago White Sox

Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 3m

Report | Video

 

Dopico pitched most of the year in Advanced A, only reaching Double-A for one appearance before heading to Fall League. He has posted gaudy strikeout totals despite a fastball that sits in the 92-to-93 mph range thanks to quality movement and two solid off-speed pitches. Dopico is a high-floor reliever who could hold his own in a middle relief role even without much high-minors experience. His walk numbers might scare clubs off, however.

 

Joan Baez, RHP, Washington Nationals

Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 3m

Report #1 | Report #2 | Video

 

Baez’ raw arm-strength has put him on the Nationals’ prospect radar the last few years, though he hasn’t developed the control to turn the corner as a prospect in the rotation. His stuff was down a bit early in the season, but teams that got reports from August and September saw Baez up to 97 mph with flashes of a sharp slider. He has never pitched in relief before, nor has he reached Double-A. Even so, Baez’ stuff is good enough that a team might take a chance on his long-term upside in the Rule 5.

 

OTHER NOTABLES

Sorted alphabetically by MLB organization

 

Josh Graham, RHP, Atlanta Braves

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 215 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 5m

 

Graham logged more time in the high-minors last year than he had in any year previous as a pro, but he didn’t pitch particularly well with Double-A Mississippi. The burly righty would be a total upside play as a Rule 5 pick, as a team would be buying in on the raw stuff and not much performance. His fastball has reached the high-90s, backed up by a hard slider and changeup with excellent separation.

 

Luis Gonzalez, LHP, Baltimore Orioles

Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 170 lbs. B/T: L/L Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 27y, 2m

Video

 

Gonzalez was originally signed from Venezuela by the Phillies, who released him after 2013. Baltimore scooped him up and he has since climbed through the ranks slowly as an O’s prospect. 2018 was a big season for Gonzalez, who reached Triple-A for the first time and was named to the Futures Game. His fastball touches 96 mph from the left side, and that arm-strength could appeal to a team looking to take a flyer on ‘pen help.

 

Zach Thompson, RHP, Chicago White Sox

Ht/Wt: 6’7” / 230 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 5m

Spotlight | Video

 

The towering righty switched to relief full-time in 2018 and had immediate success. Between his performance at Double-A and time spent in the Fall League after the year, scouts have gotten lots of opportunities to get eyes on Thompson. His fastball touches the high-90s at best, and his go-to cutter plays well off the heat. Thompson’s ability to get big leaguers out will come down to the consistency of his off-speed stuff and control.

 

Jared Robinson, RHP, Cleveland Indians

Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 4m

Spotlight

 

Robinson hasn’t pitched above A-Ball, but scouts got an extended look at him during Fall League. His mid-90s fastball and tight slider are average pitches and he’s close to a finished product. Robinson has the ingredients of a middle reliever, and a team that likes his chances of reaching that ceiling could take a flyer on him in the Rule 5.

 

Erasmo Pinales, RHP, Houston Astros

Ht/Wt: 5’11’ / 180 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 4m

Video

 

Pinales is a strong, stocky righty who tops out in the 97-98 mph range with his fastball. Both a hard slider and split-like changeup show sharp action, and his numerous miss-bat weapons have resulted in gaudy strikeout numbers the last few seasons. Unfortunately, Pinales’ walk totals are similarly high. Scouts got a good look at him this year in Fall League, and a team who feels they can get him throwing more strikes could take a flyer on Pinales this December.

 

Tyler Jay, LHP, Minnesota Twins

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 185 lbs. B/T: L/L Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 11m

Spotlight | Video

 

Jay is a recognizable name, having been selected by Minnesota with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 Draft. He was a closer at the University of Illinois and has since gone back to a ‘pen role, focusing mostly on a fastball/slider mix. The fastball sits in the low-90s and touches higher, and he leans heavily on an 85-to-87 mph slider once he’s ahead in the count. Jay has experience in the high-minors but didn’t dominate hitters as much as his raw stuff suggests he could in relief. His prospect notoriety and the chance of some velocity coming back might be enough to convince a team to take a flyer on him in the Rule 5.

 

Jacob Lemoine, RHP, Texas Rangers

Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 220 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 4m

Report | Video

 

Lemoine didn’t play in an official pro game until 2017, a full two years after he was drafted by Texas in the fourth round. The Rangers have taken it slow with him, moving Lemoine one level at a time and keeping him in the bullpen. He has good physicality and a solid two-pitch mix, starting with a heavy mid-90s sinker that projects as a ground ball pitch if he can throw more consistent strikes. A mid-80s slider flashes above-average at best, though he’ll need to get up in the count more consistently against better hitters to use it as an out pitch. The injury history and lack of high-minors time might ward teams off, but Lemoine’s sinker/slider combo is good enough to merit consideration this December.

 

Jairo Beras, RHP, Texas Rangers

Ht/Wt: 6’6” / 195 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 3m

 

Beras was a J2 bonus baby, originally signed as an outfielder in 2012. His size, raw power, and throwing arm in RF were always the carry tools, and despite a 22 home run effort as recently as 2016, Texas switched Beras to the mound by the end of the 2017 season. Last year was his first spent entirely as a pitcher, and the 6’6” Beras is still more raw tools than polish at the position. The fastball sits in the high-90s with a 88-to-91 mph cut-like slider, though his delivery and control are crude. He’s an interesting story but likely too raw to stick on a Major League roster.

 

Jackson McClelland, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 220 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 8m

Report | Video

 

McClelland has above-average raw stuff but hasn’t pitched much above A-Ball (six appearances in Double-A last year), nor has he dominated the way scouts think his stuff should. McClelland sits 95-to-97 mph with his fastball–touching higher at times–backed up by a mid-80s slider that shows the potential to become an average pitch. A team that thinks he could survive a big league season could pop him in the Rule 5 and stash him in a low-leverage ‘pen role.

 

Jordan Mills, LHP, Washington Nationals

Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 215 lbs. B/T: L/L Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 26y, 10m

Spotlight | Video

 

Mills is an extra-deceptive submarine/sidearmer who creates a tough look for lefties. He’s only suited for a situational role in the big leagues but shows the tools needed to fill that role well. Mills doesn’t throw hard–usually sitting in the high-80s–but his ability to disrupt timing and mix his excellent 78-to-81 mph changeup has proven effective across numerous levels of the minors.

 

BY ADAM MCINTURFF 12/10/2018

MLB RULE 5 DRAFT PREVIEW (PT.4): CATCHERS

Feature Photo: Deivi Grullon, C, Phillies

 

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth edition of a multi-part series on this year’s Major League Baseball Rule 5 Draft, to be held Thursday, December 13 at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. For basic information on how the Rule 5 Draft works, you can click here. Previous installments of our Rule 5 Draft series are below:

 

Pt. 1: Top Protected Players

Pt. 2: Starting Pitchers

Pt. 3: Relief Pitchers

TOP OF THE CROP

Deivi Grullon, C, Philadelphia Phillies

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 180 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 1m

Video

 

Grullon is an above-average defensive catcher, specializing in game calling, blocking, and receiving. His strong glovework and offensive showing with Double-A Reading last year make Grullon one of the top catching targets available in the Rule 5. He bopped 21 homeruns in 2018, easily a career high. That said, Grullon’s fringy batspeed and limited track record of hitting make scouts skeptical that he’ll have value at the plate against big league pitching. His ability to serve as a backup catcher will put him on team’s radar this December.

 

Jhonny Pereda, C, Chicago Cubs

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 170 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 22y, 11m

Report | Video

 

Pereda has moved slowly through Chicago’s system, coming off his best season as a pro in 2018 in the Carolina League (.272/.347/.363). He’s a lock to stick behind the plate, a 60-grade throwing arm helping that defensive projection. Pereda has ha bit more offensive upside than other catchers on this list, but it’s still unlikely he hits enough to profile as a regular. He performed better than other Rule 5 eligible catchers in Fall League and is a comparable defender, meaning Pereda might be a bit more likely to hear his name called this December.

 

Martin Cervenka, C, Baltimore Orioles

Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 225 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 26, 7m

Report | Spotlight | Video

 

Coincidentally, the O’s acquired Cervenka in last year’s Rule 5, though in the AAA Phase. He’s the best offensive catcher on this list, more physical than others with raw power that comes into games. That said, Cervenka’s hit tool lags behind the power, and he’s average (at best) defensively. He’s an older and more experienced option than other available backstops in this year’s Rule 5 class, but the ceiling is lower and he might wind up more of a true 4A type.

 

Ali Sanchez, C, New York Mets

Ht/Wt: 6’4” / 225 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 22y, 2m

Spotlight | Video

 

Sanchez fits the standard mold for a Rule 5 catching target: fairly young with a plus glove and questionable offensive potential. He has not played against high-minors competition, splitting 2018 between two A-Ball levels. Scouts got a good look at Sanchez in the Fall League, though his .401 OPS with Scottsdale doesn’t give much hope offensive improvements are on the way. He has Rule 5 value to a team because his glove could hold its own in a backup role.

 

 

 

OTHER NOTABLES

Sorted alphabetically by MLB organization

 

Austin Rei, C, Boston Red Sox

Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 185 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 5m

 

Rei was such an advanced defensive catcher the Red Sox took him in 2015’s third round out of the University of Washington. He hasn’t developed much at the plate at all and should be viewed as a glove-only option. His defense and prospect notoriety could interest teams this December.

 

Roldani Baldwin, C, Boston Red Sox

Ht/Wt: 5’11” / 175 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 0m

Video

 

Boston had high hopes for Baldwin after an enthusing .274/.310/.489 performance for Greenville in 2017. He sputtered this season in the Carolina League, hitting .233/.282/.371 despite tools that get scouts’ attention. He’s an athletic backstop with above-average arm-strength and raw power, though his lack of success last year–without any high-minors experience–makes it unlikely a team would pick Baldwin over another available catching option this December.

 

Hendrik Clementina, C, Cincinnati Reds

Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 250 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A- Age (as of April 1, 2019): 21y, 9m

Spotlight | Video

 

Clementina’s youth and power potential make him an interesting Rule 5 target, though his questionable defensive profile and lack of high-minors experience work against him. He is yet to reach even Advanced A, having spent all of last season in the Midwest League with Dayton. A thick, portly slugger, Clementina has above-average raw power and mashed 18 homers last year–accompanied by plenty of whiffs as well. He’s a below-average defender with work to do to remain behind the plate. Cincinnati likely would have protected Clementina if there was more belief he was actually going to catch long-term, so he’s likely being viewed as a first baseman by other clubs as well.

 

Dom Nunez, C, Colorado Rockies

Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 175 lbs. B/T: L/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 2m

Video

 

Originally drafted as a 3B out of high school, Nunez took to catching with aplomb and has become a glove-first backstop. He could hold his own defensively in the Major Leagues right now but would bring negative value with the bat, as his offense has stalled mightily each of the last two seasons at Double-A.

 

Donny Sands, C, New York Yankees

Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 175 lbs. B/T: L/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 22y, 10m

 

Sands was 19-years-old by June 5th of the year he signed his first pro contract in 2015, so he’s eligible a year earlier than most high school players picked that year. The Yankees converted him to catcher after signing, where his physical frame and bulldog mentality translated well to the pro game. Scouts like the strength and power potential in Sands’ frame, but that hasn’t fully shown up in games and he missed most of 2018 with injury. There are some tools here, but he’s likely too unproven to merit a Rule 5 pick in the Major League Phase.

 

BY ADAM MCINTURFF 12/11/2018

MLB RULE 5 DRAFT PREVIEW (PT. 5): INFIELDERS

Feature Photo: Richie Martin, SS, Athletics

 

Editor’s Note: This is the fifth edition of a multi-part series on this year’s Major League Baseball Rule 5 Draft, to be held Thursday, December 13 at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. For basic information on how the Rule 5 Draft works, you can click here. Previous installments of our Rule 5 Draft series are below:

 

Pt. 1: Top Protected Players

Pt. 2: Starting Pitchers

Pt. 3: Relief Pitchers

Pt. 4: Catchers

TOP OF THE CROP

Richie Martin, SS, Oakland Athletics

Ht/Wt: 5’11” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 3m

 

Martin’s best attributes have long been his glovework at shortstop and speed on the bases. He repeated Double-A in 2018 and showed more with the bat than he has in the past, slashing .300/.368/.439 with 25 steals in the Texas League. He’s probably a 50-grade hit tool guy at best and will always have below-average power outputs. His ability to stay at shortstop and make contact give the ceiling of a borderline regular, likely a safer bet to profile as a solid role player. Martin is one of the top names available in this year’s Rule 5 Draft, checking lots of boxes as a center-diamond player who has performed in the high-minors.

 

Kean Wong, UTL, Tampa Bay Rays

Ht/Wt: 5’11” / 190 lbs. B/T: L/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 11m

Video

 

Wong’s youth and track record make him an attractive Rule 5 target. He’s coming off his best offensive season as a pro (.282/.345/.406), can play multiple positions, and has plenty of experience in the high-minors. The Rays had lots of talented prospects to protect this November, and Wong likely wouldn’t have been left off the 40-Man Roster if he was in an organization with less depth. Tampa’s roster crunch could be another club’s gain, as Wong could step into a utility role quickly if selected this year in the Major League Phase.

 

Josh VanMeter, UTL, Cincinnati Reds

Ht/Wt: 5’10” / 165 lbs. B/T: L/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 0m

 

VanMeter checks lots of the same boxes as 2B/UTL Kean Wong (Rays): he’s fairly young, plays lots of positions, has a track record of hitting, and brings high-minors experience. VanMeter increased the lift in his swing this year, putting more balls in the air and seeing his power numbers tick upwards. That gives some hope there’s more projection left offensively. VanMeter can step in and fill a utility role quickly for a team that selects him in the Rule 5.

 

Drew Jackson, 2B/SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ht/Wt: 6’2” /200 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 8m

Video

 

The athletic middle infielder is coming off his best season as a professional, having slashed .251/.356/.447 in just over 100 games for Double-A Tulsa last year. His improvements at the plate centered around an increased focus on lift and power, as Jackson’s home run totals spiked accordingly with a jump in aerial contact. He has the speed to steal bases and is athletic enough to move around the field, able to occasionally fill in around the outfield while shuttling mostly between 2B and SS.

 

Josh Ockimey, 1B, Boston Red Sox

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 215 lbs. B/T: L/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 5m

Spotlight | Video

 

A fairly visible prospect in Boston’s system, it was a surprise to see Ockimey unprotected. Power bats that are limited defensively–especially those with platoon deficiencies–are seeing their value plummet across the game, and that trend likely played into why the Red Sox opted to leave Ockimey unprotected this winter. His power potential and plate discipline are enticing, and he mashed righties last year (.273/.393/.531) across two levels. That said, he struggled badly against same-side arms (.186/.269/.295) and can only play first base. If a team buys into his offensive upside they could stash him in a platoon role before sending Ockimey back to the minors for more development.

 

Levi Michael, UTL, San Francisco Giants

Ht/Wt: 5’10” / 180 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 28y, 1m

 

Michael is much older than the usual Rule 5 target and only fits a need for a team looking to improve their bench with a veteran who can play multiple positions. A first-round pick in 2011, Michael never hit enough to separate himself as a prospect. Released by the Twins prior to 2018, his offensive numbers last year were easily the best of his career (.305/.391/.470) and Michael was named an Eastern League all-star. He was a Minor League free agent at the end of the season and the Giants quickly scooped him up, though they’ll lose him if another club is willing to add Michael to their big league roster.

 

Jake Gatewood, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers

Ht/Wt: 6’5” / 190 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 6m

Spotlight | Video

 

The 41st overall pick in 2014, Gatewood’s prodigious raw power stands out in this Rule 5 class and has long made him a prospect. Questions about how much of that power he’s able to bring into games are what likely prompted Milwaukee to leave him off their 40-Man Roster. Gatewood stumbled through a Double-A assignment late in 2017, then repeated the level last year and posted a nearly identical slash line. High-minors arms have exposed his issues with same-side pitching, which diminishes the value significantly as a righty-swinging corner player. Even so, Gatewood’s power potential and prospect visibility could convince a team to take a flyer on him in the Rule 5.

 

OTHER NOTABLES

Sorted by MLB organization

 

Ray-Patrick Didder, SS/INF, Atlanta Braves

Ht/Wt: 6’0” / 170 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 6m

Report | Video

 

Scouts got a long look at Didder in Fall League this year, where his athleticism, speed, and defense impressed despite a limited offensive showing. That has long been the book on Didder, whose ceiling is a bench player and late-game replacement. His ability to do the little things could put him on teams’ Rule 5 radar, though there are comparable infield defenders in this class who bring more to the table at the plate.

 

Osvaldo Duarte, UTL, Houston Astros

Ht/Wt: 5’9” / 160 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 2m

Video

 

Duarte is a hard-nosed player who puts the ball in play and can defend at numerous positions. In 2018 alone, he suited up at SS, 2B, 3B, and all three outfield spots. He lacks the offensive impact to profile as a regular, but Duarte consistently barrels balls hard and can shoot the gaps. His defensive versatility and feel to hit could put him on team’s Rule 5 radar, though Duarte’s lack of high-minors time could drop him below other more established infield options in this year’s class.

 

Jared Walker, 1B/3B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 195 lbs. B/T: L/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 23y, 1m

 

Walker put up big power numbers in 2018 and finished the season playing in front of scouts in Fall League, two things that could land him on teams’ Rule 5 lists. He has above-average raw power with an approach that allows him to get to it in games, though he will also strike out a healthy amount as well. Walker splits time between the infield corners on defense, but he’s a better fit at 1B long-term. He struggles mightily against same-side pitching, though hitting left-handed keeps him on the favorable side of matchups.

 

Cristian Santana, 1B/3B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ht/Wt: 6’2” / 175 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 22y, 1m

Spotlight | Video

 

Santana’s plus raw power started showing up in games last year, as he mashed a career-high 24 homers in the California League. Despite an enthusing showing in 2018 (.274/.302/.447), there are plenty of underlying reasons to question how much Santana will hit for average. He strikes out frequently and never walks, a bad combo for any corner bat—especially one that hits right-handed. Santana’s age and power potential are interesting, but he’s likely too raw for a team to take him in the Major League Phase.

 

Lewin Diaz, 1B, Minnesota Twins

Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 180 lbs. B/T: L/L Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 22y, 4m

Report | Video

 

Diaz has an intriguing ceiling but will likely go unpicked. The physical lefty swinger has untapped power potential, though his bat isn’t big league ready and as a 1B-only defender, a team would have to completely sacrifice a 25-Man roster spot to carry him next year. Diaz was scuffling through last season in the Florida State League before missing the rest of the year with a right thumb fracture, which only clouds his outlook further. Minnesota did the math and took a calculated risk leaving him off their 40-Man Roster this November.

 

Jake Hager, 2B/SS, Milwaukee Brewers

Ht/Wt: 6’1” /170 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 26y, 0m

 

Hager was a first-round pick in 2011, meaning he qualified for Minor League Free Agency at the end of 2017. He signed a Minor League deal with Milwaukee for 2018 and agreed to a successor contract for next season, so he’s Rule 5 eligible even as a recently resigned Minor League Free Agent. Historically a light-hitting gloveman, Hager had his best offensive season as a pro in 2018. The ceiling isn’t very high and he might wind up a 4A type, but he could compete for at-bats in Spring Training as a bench infielder if a team thinks his offensive improvements last year are for real.

 

C.J. Hinojosa, SS/INF, San Francisco Giants

Ht/Wt: 5’10” / 175 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 8m

Report | Video

 

Hinojosa missed the first half of last year serving a 50-game suspension for his second failed recreational drug test. He stayed within his career norms after returning to Double-A Richmond, hitting for a decent average (with little power) while moving around the infield. Hinojosa lacks a carry tool and his suspension is likely to scare teams off, though his ceiling is a hit-first bench player who can man both middle infield spots.

 

Zach Green, 3B/1B, San Francisco Giants

Ht/Wt: 6’3” / 210 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 25y, 0m

 

A third-round pick in 2012, Green qualified for Minor League Free Agency at the end of the year. He was named an Eastern League all-star for Reading, slashing an impressive .296/.375/.578 in Double-A before moving up to Triple-A at season’s end. The Giants signed him to a Minor League contract this November, so he’s technically Rule 5 eligible by not being on the 40-Man Roster. Green’s performance and power potential could put him on teams’ radar, though he’s limited to the corners and was exposed against same-side pitching at Triple-A.

 

Max Schrock, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals

Ht/Wt: 5’8” / 180 lbs. B/T: L/R Highest Level: AAA Age (as of April 1, 2019): 24y, 5m

 

Schrock’s hit tool has upside but he doesn’t bring much value otherwise. He also doesn’t walk much, which makes his ability to hit for average very reliant on favorable BABIPs. He raked in his first few years as a pro but hit a wall last year at Triple-A (.249/.296/.331). Schrock spent minimal time playing 3B and the outfield in 2018 but profiles best at 2B long-term. His track record of performance prior to last season could pique teams’ interest.

 

Juan Yepez, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals

Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 200 lbs. B/T: R/R Highest Level: A+ Age (as of April 1, 2019): 21y, 1m

Video

 

Yepez has above-average raw power and has flashed intriguing offensive tools at times. He lit the Midwest League on fire to begin 2018, forcing his way into a promotion to Advanced A. His bat really stalled once there, however, and despite having more youth and upside than some others on this list, Yepez is likely just too far away to garner serious Rule 5 interest.

[Jimcanuck]

Seems to be a no brainer Shatkins will grab a couple of Rule 5 pitchers to toss in the bullpen and use in low leverage situations? And have a regular Toronto-Buffalo shuttle to keep the other bullpen arms fresh?

[jays4life19]

Spanky wins

[Pendleton]

Definitely no shortage of utility options for the bench.

[P2F]

Spanky wins

 

My link was too big to post.

[Spanky__99]

My link was too big to post.

 

That's why I used the quotes, lol.

[Boxcar]

Best list:

 

http://www.orioleshangout.com/2018/12/10/lukes-2018-rule-5-draft-preference-list/

 

VanMeter is awful lol wtf

 

Obvious fit for the Oriloles

 

Tangent, but a real headline on OH lmfao:

 

How Saddam Hussein may have contributed to the existence of Orioles Hangout

[P2F]

VanMeter is awful lol wtf

 

Obvious fit for the Oriloles

 

But, but, but...swing change, bruh!

[King]

Best list:

 

http://www.orioleshangout.com/2018/12/10/lukes-2018-rule-5-draft-preference-list/

 

My favourite is the inclusion of Tyler Rogers, the 28 year old who apparently throws 81 MPH

 

he's #50 if anyone made it that far

 

the odds of him getting picked tomorrow are definitely under 1%

 

you can tell he just sorted the baseball reference leaderboard by ERA at that point

[P2F]

I wouldn't mind the Jays picking up Art Warren from this draft, real talk.

[King]

[P2F]

That is one extreme delivery.

[Spanky__99]

I wouldn't mind the Jays picking up Art Warren from this draft, real talk.

 

Max Schrock or Tyler Jay, please.

[Slade]

I'm hoping for Sam McWilliams either as a pen guy or a potential backend starter.

[Maico450]

Max Schrock or Tyler Jay, please.

 

Yeh sure, another middle infielder, and a DL specialist.

[Boxcar]

Yeh sure, another middle infielder, and a DL specialist.

 

I know, right? They should surely be focusing their sights on an obvious future all star that are abundant in this draft class.

[Maico450]

Cy Sneed and Art Warren

[Ehjays]

Speedster Richie Martin would be an upgrade on defence over Richard Urena. But Im sure he will be gone by the 10th selection slot

[Terminator]

White Sox took Romano. Almost glad, now I don't have to hear casual fans rant and rave about him anymore.

[tercet]

White Sox took Romano. Almost glad, now I don't have to hear casual fans rant and rave about him anymore.

 

Ahahahahhah so true, no way he will stick the full year with the Sox.....