Thursday, December 9, 2010

Wrapping up the Rule 5 Draft for the Orioles

The Rule 5 draft was held today and although it is rare for any of these pick s to be of consequence, I thought I'd run down who the Orioles selected and who they lost. A couple of these guys might not be coming back to the organization.

Orioles select RHP Adrian Rosario from the Brewers: Rosario, a 21-year old reliever from the Dominican Republic. He posted 11.50 K/9 against only 3.5 BB/9 over 46.1 innings in the minors last season but it was split between Rookie and Low-A ball. Seems like a longshot to stick.

Brewers select RHP Pat Egan from the Orioles: With the trade of Kam Mickolio to Arizona, Pat Egan was the top candidate to come up from Norfolk and help the Baltimore bullpen this season. Long and tall, the 26-year old hurler sports a killer ground ball rate and only 16 walks in 84 innings between Bowie and Norfolk. He just might stick.

Mets select RHP Pedro Beato from the Orioles: Beato reinvented himself this season from a flameout former top prospect to prospecty relief arm. The 6'6" righty struck out 50 in 59.2 innings with pretty good control. If he has a good spring, he is another candidate to stick with the team that selected him. Pitching at the spacious Citifield could make him serviceable at the major league level.

Minor League Phase

Orioles select 2B Dale Mollenhauer from the White Sox: The Oriole system desperately needs middle infielders in the upper levels and Mollenhauer would seemingly be the leading candidate to play second base at Norfolk next season. Hope he's got a good glove because his career .692 OPS in the minors is not real impressive. 73 stolen bases in four seasons though.

Orioles select LHP Casey Lambert from the Cubs: A 25-year old reliever who pitched OK for the Cubs high-A affiliate but has pitched as high as the AAA level in the past. He can strike guys out and has decent control. A former 6th round pick, he's an interesting lefty.

Orioles select RHP Jacob Rasner from the White Sox: Rasner is a 25-year old failed starter who can strike out his fair share (7.5 K/9 last season) but walks batters like Daniel Cabrera (4.7 BB/9 last season). His career WHIP is over 1.50...and he's never played above AA. Mike Griffin needs to get to work on this project immediately.

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