Though it won’t take place until the end of the Winter Meetings, the stage has been set for the Rule 5 draft, as teams re-set their 40-man rosters in preparation. Baseball America’s J.J. Cooper breaks down the players who weren’t protected and thus remain eligible to be plucked away. Cooper writes that we’re unlikely to see a repeat of last year’s incredible Rule 5 success rate, but still manages to come up with a large group of players who could draw interest. Best of all, they are sorted by player type (e.g., “inexperienced pitchers with great arms”).
Here are a few more prospect-related links to check out:
- MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo answered reader questions in a mailbag today. Among other topics, he talks about the status of Dodgers second baseman Jose Peraza. The club ought to give him a chance to win regular playing time this spring, Mayo argues.
- Mayo also recently listed ten standout prospects from the just-concluded Arizona Fall League. This group doesn’t reflect the players with the highest prospect standing from the fall league, but rather those that most improved their standing during the short season. Among them is Cardinals infielder Aledmys Diaz, who was outrighted last year but finished with a robust .315/.370/.616 line in Arizona and was added back to the 40-man roster.
- Meanwhile, ESPN.com’s Eric Longenhagen took a detailed look at the fall league results. Catcher Gary Sanchez of the Yankees and Rangers center fielder Lewis Brinson were among the players who showed increased promise from a scouting perspective. Also drawing that review was lefty Josh Hader, who was one of several interesting players who went to the Brewers in the Carlos Gomez/Mike Fiers trade.
If Peraza is given a legit shot to win the 2B job in LA… That would mean the Braves gave up a solid LHP (#2-3 starter) and an MLB starting 2B for Olivera lol. A guy who can’t field, stay healthy, and is already in his 30’s. It’s amazed me how badly this organization wants to rid themselves of any player that was attached to Wren and his front office.
Please wait until next year to call wood solid especially a number 2 starter
Coop left off 2 names that i think are pertinent. Lefty Dietrich Enns, a 25 year old starter in a advanced who posted a 0.61 ERA. the second guy is Outfielder Dwight Smith Jr, good leadoff type, reminds me of Odubel Herrera.
Glad other people agrees that Peraza should be given every opportunity to play and win 2nd. Doesn’t make sense to go out in the FA market and commit to a long term 2B, but a backup lefty infielder who can play 2nd and 3rd is needed.
Yes he should have gotten a chance long ago