Rule 5 Draft - Sox Pick No One

[ThunderBolt]

willy taveras

And here we all thought that grindeyness could only get you so far.

[southsider2k5]

http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2008/..._2008_draft.php

 

The 2008 Rule 5 Draft: The Hitters

By Marc Hulet

 

It is almost here. The 2008 Rule 5 Draft is 10 days away. Last week, we took a look at some of the pitchers that could be scooped up during the draft, as organizations look for cheap, talented options that will hopefully stick on the big league roster for the entire 2009 season. As always, if you need a refresher on the rules and history of the Rule 5 Draft, click here.

The Catchers

 

James Skelton | Detroit

Position: Catcher

Born: October 1985

2008 Level: High-A/Double-A

 

One of the more quizzical omissions from the 40-man rosters, James Skelton creates flashes of Jesus Flores, whom the Washington Nationals stole from the New York Mets with the sixth overall pick of the 2006 Rule 5 Draft. Flores is now producing just as well for the Nationals as the Mets' big league catchers, and at a much lower cost. The Tigers organization is seriously lacking in prospects and the 40-man roster had room for Skelton. He was originally selected by the Tigers in the 14th round of the 2004 draft out of a California high school. Skelton has hit more than .300 in each of the past three seasons - a rarity for catchers. This past season, he hit .307/.467/.406 in 212 High-A at-bats and moved up to Double-A and posted a line of .294/.423/.388 in 85 at-bats. There are concerns about Skelton's defence. His is just 5'11'' and 165 lbs - small for a catcher. His arm also lacks strength, but he threw out 43% of base stealers in 2007, and 19 of 54 (35%) at High-A in 2008, followed by nine of 19 (47%) at Double-A. It will be shocking if no one takes a flyer on the left-handed hitting catcher with an excellent eye at the plate and the ability to hit for a high average. The list of clubs that could use catching depth include Toronto, San Diego, Cincinnati, Houston, Chicago (NL), Washington, Florida, Balitmore, Chicago AL, Tampa Bay and Boston.

 

Francisco Hernandez | Chicago (AL)

Position: Catcher

Born: February 1986

2008 Level: High-A

 

The list of available catchers is not overly deep and Francisco Hernandez sticks out as an interesting option. His bat regressed in 2008 - .245/.333/.382 with a .137 ISO in 241 at-bats - but he was the 21st best prospect in the organization prior to 2008, according to Baseball America. His rates were respectable at 11.7 BB% and 13.7 K%. Hernandez has an excellent arm and threw out 37 of 86 (43%) base stealers in 2008 and is at least average in all other defensive facets. If selected, he won't hit much but he should be at least average defensively as a back-up catcher.

The Corner Infielders

 

Jordan Brown | Cleveland

Position: First Base

Born: December 1983

2008 Level: Triple-A

 

Jordan Brown has something a lot of Rule 5 prospects don't: A MLB-ready bat (and he swings from the left side too). The first baseman, though, does not have much power. Brown would be an excellent option for a National League team looking for a pinch hitter. In 2008 at Triple-A, he hit .281/.336/.417 with an ISO of .136 in 420 at-bats. The former fourth-round draft pick is a career .300 hitter and traditionally walks almost as much as he strikes out, although his rates dipped in 2008 to 7.7 BB% and 16.0 K%. He would be a cheaper and possibly more effective option for a club looking at a free agent like Mark Sweeney, who has made a career out of coming off the bench.

 

Jesus Guzman | San Francisco

Position: Third Base

Born: June 1984

2008 Level: Double-A/Triple-A

 

Jesus Guzman was originally signed by the Seattle Mariners and then signed as a minor league free agent prior to the 2007 season by the Oakland Athletics. He became a free agent once again after the 2008 season and recently signed with the San Francisco Giants but was not placed on the 40-man roster, which makes him eligible for the draft. A number of teams expressed interest in him as a minor league free agent (including the A's) so one of those clubs that missed out in the bidding process could nab him on Dec. 11. This past season, Guzman hit .364/.420/.560 with a .196 ISO in Double-A. He was then promoted to Triple-A but struggled a bit and hit just .237/.286/.373 in 59 at-bats. The switch hitter also slugged 25 home runs and drove in 102 runs for Seattle's High-A club in 2007. Guzman has the ability to play third base, second base and the corner outfield, which could make him a valuable utility player for a Major League club.

 

Erik Lis | Minnesota

Position: First Base/Left Field

Born: March 1984

2008 Level: Double-A

 

Traditionally, first basemen are not overly popular in the Rule 5 draft, but Erik Lis might be of interest to a Major League club. He hit .277/.322/.462 with a .185 ISO in 405 Double-A at-bats in 2008. The former ninth round draft pick has seen his power output improve each season and he has above-average bat speed. Lis is not overly athletic and is a one-dimensional player with all his value wrapped up in his left-handed bat. He can play both first base and left field, which adds to his attractiveness as a pinch hitter and left fielder.

 

Adam Loewen | Toronto

Position: First Base/Left Field

Born: April 1984

2008 Level: Hawaii Winter Baseball

 

A club in search of the next Rick Ankiel or Brian Bogusevic may look to former Orioles hurler Adam Loewen, who recently signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was a talented two-way player in high school and injuries ruined his pitching career. A number of teams (including Seattle) were interested in signing Loewen as a free agent hitter, but Toronto won out as the left-handed hitter is a native Canadian. In his first taste of professional hitting, Loewen hit .207/.368/.207 in 29 at-bats during the Hawaii Winter Baseball league this fall. He is definitely raw as a hitter but has a ton of power from the left side.

The Middle Infielders

 

Daniel Mayora | Colorado

Position: Second Base/Shortstop

Born: July 1985

2008 Level: High-A

 

Daniel Mayora's exclusion from the Rockies 40-man roster is more a testament to the organization's enviable middle infield depth than a comment on the infielder's ability or promise. As it was, the Rockies added three middle infielders to the roster this fall in order to protect them from the Rule 5 draft: Chris Nelson, Eric Young Jr., and Hector Gomez, joining four other middle infielders already on the roster. Mayora lacks the athleticism of some of the other prospects but he hit .288/.347/.422 with an ISO of .134 in 486 High-A at-bats. He stolen just eight bases in 2008, but nabbed 26 the previous season. Mayora is solid defensively at both second base and shortstop.

 

Corey Wimberly | Colorado

Position: Utility Infielder/Outfielder

Born: October 1983

2008 Level: Double-A

 

Corey Wimberly, like Mayora above, was caught in the Big Roster Crunch of 2008. He has done nothing but hit and run in professional baseball after being selected in the sixth round of the 2005 draft. He began his pro career by hitting .381 and compiling 107 hits in 67 games. In 2008, the speedster hit .291/.359/.345 with 59 stolen bases in 388 Double-A at-bats. He has no power (.054 ISO in 2008) but he can steal a base in his sleep and can play all over the diamond. Wimberly should definitely garner interest in the draft, although it would help if he walked a little more often (9.6 BB% in 2008).

 

Will Rhymes | Detroit

Position: Second Base

Born: April 1984

2008 Level: Double-A

 

Like Skelton, Will Rhymes' 40-man roster omission is a little surprising. At Double-A, he hit .306/.361/.391 in 516 at-bats. He has limited power (.085 ISO) but he has the potential to steal 15-20 bases. Rhymes also has respectable rates (although he could stand to walk a bit more) and does not strike out much: 7.9 BB% and 12.8 K%. He is average defensively at second base and his value is hurt by his lack of versatility. He held his own in the Arizona Fall League by hitting .287/.322/.324 in 108 at-bats, but managed just two extra base hits.

The Outfielders

 

Jamie Romak | Pittsburgh

Position: Outfield

Born: September 1985

2008 Level: High-A/Double-A

 

The Rule 5 Draft's outfield depth is lacking, but Jamie Romak is an interesting name. The former Braves prospect was traded to Pittsburgh during the 2007 Adam LaRoche deal and was rated by Baseball America as the Pirates' seventh best prospect entering into 2008. He offers massive power potential but a low batting average. He is still very raw, but the Canadian has intriguing upside. In 2008, he hit .279/.351/.552 with 25 doubles and 18 homers (.272 ISO) in 290 High-A at-bats. Upon a promotion to Double-A, he hit .208/.307/.433 (.225 ISO) in 120 at-bats. He is a huge risk, but if he rebounds in 2009 a club will have a tough timing prying him from Pittsburgh. That said, he struggles with off-speed stuff and could easily become a Quad-A slugger.

 

Mitch Einertson, Eli Iorg and Jordan Parraz | Houston

Position: Outfielders

Born: April 1986, March 1983, and October 1984

2008 Level: Double-A, Double-A, and High-A

 

The remainder of the outfield depth for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft is sponsored by the Houston Astros. Mitch Einertson, a former fifth round selection out of high school, caught the baseball world's attention when he made his pro debut and slammed 24 home runs in 63 games. But that was Rookie Ball and also 2004. Since then, Einertson has struggled to live up to those lofty numbers, especially considering he was never looked at as a power hitter while in high school. This past season he hit .262/.309/.427 in 382 Double-A at-bats. He is more of an interesting name, rather than a true threat to be nabbed in the draft.

 

Eli Iorg comes from a talented baseball family and is loaded with raw athletic ability but has had troubles translating his skills to the baseball diamond. At Double-A in 2008, he hit .268/.303/.407 with an ISO of .139 in 459 at-bats. He also stole 21 bases after nabbing 42 in 2006. Iorg walked just 4.4% of the time in 2008. His numbers were down a bit in 2008 because he was recovering from Tommy John surgery in late 2007.

 

Jordan Parraz is not quite as athletic as Iorg, but he has a better chance of hitting for average. He has moved slowly through the system and was old for High-A but he hit .289/.382/.419 with 21 stolen bases in 425 at-bats. Parraz also has a cannon for an arm and can hit the mid 90s off the mound.

 

http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2008/...2008_rule_5.php

 

Right-Handed Pitchers

 

Eduardo Morlan | Tampa Bay

Position: Right-Handed Reliever

Born: March 1986

2008 Level: Double-A

 

Eduardo Morlan was traded to Tampa Bay from Minnesota last winter in the Matt Garza-Delmon Young swap. He can dial his fastball up into the mid-90s and he has a high-80s slider that acts as his strikeout pitch. His numbers were down in 2008 after switching organizations but you don't get the chance to nab a player with this skill set after a fabulous season. He still allowed just 44 hits in 47 innings with rates of 2.87 BB/9 and 8.62 K/9.

 

Chris Mason | Tampa Bay

Position: Right-Handed Starter

Born: July 1984

2008 Level: Triple-A

 

Chris Mason has always been a Top-10 prospect, but he was also considered a step below the top two pitching prospects in the system: Jacob McGee and Wade Davis. Mason's horrendous 2008 season certainly did not help his cause. After going 15-4 with a 2.57 ERA in 2007 at Double-A, Mason regressed at Triple-A with a 6.21 ERA and 144 hits allowed in 108.2 innings. A former second-round amateur draft pick, he has the talent to succeed in the Majors and many scouts have felt he has always been better suited to pitching out of the bullpen. His slider is excellent, the change-up is very good, but the fastball is just OK at 87-91 mph.

 

Alan Horne | New York (AL)

Position: Right-Handed Starter

Born: January 1983

2008 Level: Triple-A

 

Alan Horne spent the majority of the season battling a bicep strain and was not at his best when he made eight starts at the Triple-A level. He allowed 35 hits in 32 innings of work and posted rates of 6.19 BB/9 and 6.75 K/9. Teams that are comfortable with his medical report could grab him with the hopes of seeing a healthy Horne show up at spring training. In 2007 at Double-A, he struck out 165 batters in 153.1 innings. He has a low-to-mid-90s fastball, slider, curveball and change-up.

 

J. Brent Cox | New York (AL)

Position: Right-Handed Reliever

Born: May 1984

2008 Level: Double-A

 

The Yankees are putting a lot of faith in the hopes that teams will be scared away from intriguing prospects by medical reports. J. Brent Cox was a top college reliever when he was selected in the second round of the 2005 draft. He was on the cusp of a Major League call-up after a solid 2006 season at Double-A but those hopes were derailed by Tommy John surgery. He returned in 2008 and allowed 30 hits in 36 Triple-A innings. His rates were poor at 4.25 BB/9 and 4.00 K/9 but command and control are the last things to return after the surgery. Based on his past performances, Cox is worth a look.

 

Erik Cordier | Atlanta

Position: Right-Handed Starter

Born: February 1986

2008 Level: A-ball

 

Of the players listed in this article, Erik Cordier is certainly the biggest reach, but he also has the most potential - if his stuff fully returns after Tommy John surgery after the 2006 season. Obtained from Kansas City for disappointing shortstop Tony Pena Jr. prior to the 2007 season, Cordier allowed 51 hits in 40 A-ball innings in 2008. He posted rates of 4.73 BB/9 and 6.98 K/9. Prior to the injury, the right-hander was touching 98 mph and sitting in the mid-90s. He was topping out in the low-90s in 2008, and needs to regain the feel for his plus change-up and average curveball.

 

Chris Nicoll | Kansas City

Position: Right-Handed Reliever

Born: October 1983

2008 Level: High-A/Double-A

 

Chris Nicoll was originally selected by the Royals in the third round of the 2005 draft as a starter. After injury woes in 2007, he was converted to a reliever and thrived. Between the two minor league levels, Nicoll allowed 77 hits in 87 innings and struck out 104 batters. At Double-A, he posted rates of 1.65 BB/9 and 11.34 K/9. With an organization badly in need of pitching depth, it is a little surprising that Nicoll - even with just an average fastball and slider - was left unprotected.

Left-Handed Pitchers

 

Ryan Mullins | Minnesota

Position: Left-Handed Starter

Born: November 1983

2008 Level: Double-A

 

A third-round selection out of Vanderbilt University in 2005, Ryan Mullins is a 6'6'' lefty with a fringe fastball and a big-league curveball, which are just the right ingredients for a 2009 MLB LOOGY. His 2008 numbers at Double-A were nothing to write home about: 169 hits allowed in 148.1 innings, 3.58 BB/9, 6.01 K/9, but check out the splits:

 

Left-Handed Batters: .204 AVG, 0.88 WHIP, 1.45 BB/9, 12.8 LD%

Right-Handed Batters: .314 AVG, 1.72 WHIP, 4.24 BB/9, 17.9 LD%

 

Donald Veal | Chicago (NL)

Position: Left-Handed Starter

Born: September 1984

2008 Level: Double-A

 

A former top prospect, Donnie Veal has stagnated at Double-A. In two seasons at that level, he has allowed 276 hits in 275.2 innings of work. His rates in 2008 were not so good at 5.02 BB/9 and 7.62 K/9. Obviously, his control is lacking but he is a lefty that can consistently throw in the low 90s and he has two solid secondary pitchers: a curveball and change-up. He faced 142 left-handed batters in 2008 and did not allow a home run. His splits suggest he could also have some success as a LOOGY: Left-handed batters hit .221, while right-handed batters hit .290.

 

Chuck Lofgren | Cleveland

Position: Left-Handed Starter

Born: January 1986

2008 Level: Double-A

 

Yes, Chuck Lofgren's numbers, which included a 5.99 ERA and 93 hits allowed in 85.2 innings, were ugly in 2008. He carried those struggles over into the Arizona Fall League where he posted a 32.14 ERA in 10 games. But he is just 22 years old and two years removed from a breakout season in A-ball that saw him added to the Indians' top prospects list. A club that thinks it could fix his mechanical and/or mental woes could take a flyer on him.

 

Brad Kilby | Oakland

Position: Left-Handed Reliever

Born: February 1983

2008 Level: Triple-A

 

Brad Kilby is not a former top prospect like the other southpaws listed above, but he has quietly put up some solid career numbers as a former 29th round draft pick. Career-wise, he has compiled a 2.64 ERA, allowed 178 hits in 232.1 innings and posted rates of 3.41 BB/9 and 10.16 K/9. In 2008 at Triple-A, Kilby allowed 51 hits in 70 innings with rates of 3.34 BB/9 and 8.49 K/9. On the downside, his stuff is a little short and he is a flyball pitcher (27.2 GB%).

 

Pedro Viola | Cincinnati

Position: Left-Handed Reliever

Born: June 1983

2008 Level: Double-A

 

Signed as a pitcher by the Reds at the age of 22 in 2005, Pedro Viola rocketed through the minors in his North American debut in 2007 and reached Double-A. He spent the entire 2008 season at that level while struggling with his command and control. Viola can hit the mid-90s, a rarity for southpaws, and also has a slider and change-up. After dominating left-handed batters in 2007, he struggled against them in 2008 and allowed a .292 batting average.

 

Robert Rohrbaugh | Seattle

Position: Left-Handed Starter

Born: December 1983

2008 Level: Triple-A

 

A former seventh-round selection out of Clemson University, Robert Rohrbaugh had three solid pro seasons prior to 2008. He even held his own in 13 Triple-A starts in 2007. This season though, thanks in part to injuries, Rohrbaugh allowed 109 hits in 96 innings and posted rates of 2.63 BB/9 and 7.13 K/9. He has actually been much more effective in his career against right-handed batters than lefties, so he doesn't make a very good LOOGY. That said, he has solid control and could provide multiple innings out of the bullpen.

 

Kei Igawa | New York (AL)

Position: Left-Handed Starter

Born: July 1979

2008 Level: Triple-A/Majors

 

The Yankees paid $26 million to negotiate for Kei Igawa's rights prior to the 2007 season and he has been a disappointment, to say the least. Igawa has thrived at the Triple-A level but he has struggled to succeed in the Majors and under the intense scrutiny that comes with pitching in New York. At $4 million a year through 2010, he might be a worthwhile gamble for a National League club like the Padres. In 2008 at Triple-A, he allowed 141 hits in 156.1 innings, with rates of 2.59 BB/9 and 6.74 K/9.

[Hatchetman]

I'd be all over Horne if his injury isn't a major one.

[scenario]

Hmmm... I may be wrong about this but....

 

I think Mike MacDougal is eligible for the Rule 5 draft.

 

If so, it will be interesting to see if a team picks him up.

 

Doubtful at his salary, but possible.

 

 

[BaseballNick]

Erik Lis | Minnesota

Position: First Base/Left Field

Born: March 1984

2008 Level: Double-A

 

Traditionally, first basemen are not overly popular in the Rule 5 draft, but Erik Lis might be of interest to a Major League club. He hit .277/.322/.462 with a .185 ISO in 405 Double-A at-bats in 2008. The former ninth round draft pick has seen his power output improve each season and he has above-average bat speed. Lis is not overly athletic and is a one-dimensional player with all his value wrapped up in his left-handed bat. He can play both first base and left field, which adds to his attractiveness as a pinch hitter and left fielder.

 

I'm pretty sure this kid is a local product. Richards HS in Oak Lawn?

[sayitaintso]

I wouldn't mind to see Chris Mason get picked up by us. His AAA numbers blow, but he straight up dominated AA and is said to be best suited for the pen, which is something we could use. Who knows, maybe Coop could work some magic on him and turn him into a viable 4th/5th starter option

[southsider2k5]

Hmmm... I may be wrong about this but....

 

I think Mike MacDougal is eligible for the Rule 5 draft.

 

If so, it will be interesting to see if a team picks him up.

 

Doubtful at his salary, but possible.

 

 

No one picked him off of waivers, no one will pick him in the Rule 5.

[JPN366]

I wouldn't mind to see Chris Mason get picked up by us. His AAA numbers blow, but he straight up dominated AA and is said to be best suited for the pen, which is something we could use. Who knows, maybe Coop could work some magic on him and turn him into a viable 4th/5th starter option

 

 

He looks like the fat hobbit with bleached blonde hair, ugly as sin.

[scenario]

Anyone have some sort of list of the players that could be picked from the Sox farm?

 

Here's a listing of White Sox players available from Baseball America. The article lists the players available from all teams.

 

Player Position Age

Bello, Juan RHS 24

Brooks, Richard RHS 24

Burdie, Charlis RHS 23

Carter, Anthony RHS 22

Castillo, Javier SS 25

Colina, Javier SS 29

Cook, David CF 27

Davis, Matt RHR 27

Day, Tim RHS 26

Fleisher, Mark 1B 25

Hernandez, Francisco C 22

Hernandez, Fernando RHS 24

Hollis, Eric C 26

Hudson, Robert 2B 25

Lucy, Donald C 26

Luis, Santo RHS 24

Lujan, John RHS 24

MacDougal, Mike RHR 31

Moreno, Juan RHR 21

Nanita, Ricardo OF 27

Negron, Miguel CF 26

Perez, Wander LHS 23

Price, Jared C 26

Rice, Jason RHS 22

Ricks, Adam C 26

Rodriguez, Derek RHS 25

Rodriguez, Noe LHS 24

Rosario, Frank RHS 23

Rote, Ryan RHR 26

Sanchez, Salvador OF 23

Sierra, Luis SS 21

Smith, Ryan C 29

Socolovich., Miguel RHS 22

Stephenson, Eric LHS 26

Terrero, Wandy C 27

Thon, Freddie 1B 24

Torres, Carlos RHS 26

Valido, Robert SS 23

Whisler, Wes LHS 25

Zaleski, Matt RHS 26

Edited December 11, 2008 by scenario

[Jordan4life_2007]

Am I nuts for thinking Francisco Hernandez still has a chance to develop into a legitimate catcher, or at least a backup catcher? I've been high on him for a while. I can't seem to give up on him. He's only 22.

[harfman77]

At first glance of that list these are the players that I would be interested in:

 

Campbell, Eric 3B 23 - Braves

Kaaihue, Kala 1B 23 - Braves

Costanzo, Mike 3B 25 - O's

Brown, Jordan C LF 24 - Indians

Dolis, Rafael RHS 20 - Cubs

Mayora, Daniel SS 23 - Rox

Einertson, Mitch CF 22 - Astros

Jimenez, Esmerlin RHS 24 - Angels

Wipke, Flint C 25 - Angels

Anson, Kyle C 25 - Yanks

Whelan, Kevin RHR 24 - Yanks

Marshall, Jay LHR 25 - A's

Perez, Miguel C 25 - Pirates

Morlan, Eddie RHR 22 - Rays

Strop, Pedro RHR 23 - Rangers

Herrera, Javier C 27 - Nasties

Wagner, Ryan RHR 26 - Nasties

[harfman77]

Am I nuts for thinking Francisco Hernandez still has a chance to develop into a legitimate catcher, or at least a backup catcher? I've been high on him for a while. I can't seem to give up on him. He's only 22.

 

I think he has some type of serious injury, from what I have read on here anyway.

[chisox2334]

Rule 5 Draft Order

 

Posted Dec. 11, 2008 10:55 am by John Manuel

Filed under: Rule 5, Winter Meetings

 

LAS VEGAS—The raw order for Thursday’s Rule 5 draft, which begins at noon Eastern time (9 a.m. local) at the Bellagio hotel. This order applies to the major league and minor league phases.

 

RULE 5 DRAFT ORDER

 

1. Nationals

2. Mariners

3. Padres

4. Pirates

5. Orioles

6. Giants

7. Braves

8. Reds

9. Tigers

10. Rockies

11. Royals

12. Athletics

13. Rangers

14. Indians

15. Diamondbacks

 

16. Dodgers

17. Marlins

18. Cardinals

19. Blue Jays

20. Astros

21. Twins

22. White Sox

23. Mets

24. Yankees

25. Brewers

26. Phillies

27. Red Sox

28. Rays

29. Cubs

30. Angels

This entry was posted on Thursday, Decem

[ThunderBolt]

Streaming live on MLB.com if anyone's interested.

[sayitaintso]

first pick

 

 

 

RHP Terrell Young wil be the first overall pick in Thursday's Rule 5 draft, going to the Nationals.

 

It doesn't necessarily mean he'll stay there, as there are usually several players taken and traded minutes later. The draft starts at noon EST.

Source: Hot Stove Blog

 

[Chisoxfn]

I think he has some type of serious injury, from what I have read on here anyway.

I think you are confusing Hernandez with Donny Lucy.

[EvilJester99]

Think the Sox are going to grab anyone and if so who do you think they will want?

[sayitaintso]

Donnie Veal taken by the Pirates

[ThunderBolt]

Good choice for the Pirates. I think Veal could find a home there.

[sayitaintso]

D-Backs took skelton (sp?) from the tigers.

[ThunderBolt]

D-Backs took skelton (sp?) from the tigers.

He's a good player, but do they need any more catchers?

[bschmaranz]

oooh, we're picking!

 

EDIT: NEVER-f***ING-MIND!

Edited December 11, 2008 by bschmaranz

[sayitaintso]

White Sox pass

[bschmaranz]

LAME

[EvilJester99]

WTF would they pass??