Today's Fantasy Rx

2002 Minor League Rule Five Draft Review

Teams can keep their selections at any level. Triple-A players cost $12,000 each, and AA players cost $4,000 each.

Out of the 43 players selected last season, only two, OF Alex Fernandez and 1B Graham Koonce, provided much help to their new teams. The White Sox sent Fernandez to San Diego in the D'Angelo Jimenez deal, and Koonce should move to AAA for Oakland this year, potentially replacing Scott Hatteberg in 2004.

Pick Rating Scale: Superb/Excellent/Very Good/Solid/Acceptable/Questionable/Poor

Triple-A Phase, Round One

Milwaukee: David Manning, RHP, MIN.
3-3 on 38:27 K:BB in 62.1 IP over 10 GS(11G) with 69 H, 3 HR,
and a 4.62 ERA at AA New Britain(EL).
Brief bio: 30, B:R, T:R. He missed all of 2001 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, so he basically missed two full seasons after not pitching between July of 2000 and July of 2002. However Manning demonstrated little talent in 9 seasons split between the Rangers and Cubs, so even if Milwaukee converts him to relief, I see little upside in this pick.
Upside/ETA: AAA swingman in 2003.
Quality of pick: Poor.

Tampa Bay: Aneudi Cuevas, SS, HOU.
40/151 for .265/.323/.371 with 3 HR, 18 RBI, 21 R, 4/8 SB%,
and 12:49 BB:K between A Lexington(Sal) and A- Tri-City(NYP).
Brief bio: 21, B:R, T:R. Cuevas has displayed little talent other than decent defense in four seasons with the Astros, so I don't even consider him a solid prospect.
Upside/ETA: AA backup by 2006.
Quality of pick: Questionable.

San Diego: Rico Washington, 3B, PIT.
80/359 for .223/.352/.337 with 8 HR, 34 RBI, 53 R, 3/7 SB%,
and 60:66 BB:K at AA Altoona(EL).
Brief bio: 24, B:L, T:R. He's spent six years in Pittsburgh's minors, and he has a good amount of experience at catcher, second, third, and shortstop. Unfortunately he struggled after Pittsburgh promoted him too quickly through A-ball in 1999, so he's spent the last three years failing to demonstrate a solid level of skill at AA Altoona.
Upside/ETA: Major League backup by 2006.
Quality of pick: Solid.

Chicago Cubs: Pedro Liriano, 2B, SEA.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Brief bio: 20, B:R, T:R. Liriano was never allowed into the country this year due to documentation problems. We expect he's at least a few years older than his listed age considering his situation, however he displayed intriguing upside in 2001. He'll remain a decent prospect on our lists until we learn his actual age.
Upside/ETA: AAAA starter by 2007.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Kansas City: Kyle Colton, RHP, ATL.
0-1 on 7:5 K:BB in 8 IP over 2 GS(4G) with 5 H, 0 HR,
and a 3.38 ERA at R Braves(GCL).
Brief bio: 22, B:R, T:R. Colton hasn't displayed either command or dominance in four minor league seasons, making him exactly the type of pitcher that the Royals always appear to target.
Upside/ETA: A-ball swingman by 2005.
Quality of pick: Poor.

Baltimore: Saul Soto, C, LA.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Brief bio: 24, B:R, T:R. The Dodgers loaned him to Oaxaca of the Mexican League for the year, and while he compiled relatively respectable numbers, he doesn't belong above AA in 2003. I see some upside here, but Soto's a long-term project.
Upside/ETA: AAAA starter by 2006.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Colorado: Michael Bumatay, LHP, PIT.
5-2 on 79:31 K:BB in 66.2 IP over 52 G with 50 H, 2 HR,
and a 3.24 ERA at A+ Lynchburg(Car).
Brief bio: 23, B:L, T:L. He needs two years to dominate a level, but he's displayed excellent skills at four different levels over the last five years in the Pirates' system. Bumatay's ready for AA, and I expect he'll emerge as a capable middle reliever in another 3-4 years, although he'll likely again change organizations before reaching the majors.
Upside/ETA: Major League middle reliever by 2007.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Texas: Andrew Beinbrink, 3B, TB.
121/426 for .284/.363/.373 with 4 HR, 58 RBI, 57 R, 21/31 SB%,
and 55:83 BB:K between AA Orlando(SL) and AAA Durham(IL).
Brief bio: 26, B:R, T:R. He should spend next year starting at AAA, but I can't see him emerging as more than a utility infielder after a couple more seasons in the minors.
Upside/ETA: Major League backup by 2005.
Quality of pick: Very good.

New York Mets: Kirk Asche, OF, OAK.
91/376 for .242/.314/.426 with 12 HR, 56 RBI, 50 R, 9/15 SB%,
and 40:132 BB:K at AA Midland(TL).
Brief bio: 25, B:R, T:R. While still a decent player, Asche didn't even hit for power in the great hitters' park at Midland, so he doesn't appear to possess the skills to contribute above the AAA level.
Upside/ETA: AAA backup by 2004.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Cleveland: Rick Elder, 1B, BAL.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Brief bio: 22, B:L, T:L. He missed all of last season with a shoulder injury, and he's failed to make it past the Sally League in the five seasons since Baltimore selected him 26th overall in 1998. While he owns good power and a decent walk rate, his excessive strikeout totals might keep him in the minors.
Upside/ETA: AAAA starter by 2007.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Cincinnati: Juan Cerros, RHP, NYM.
1-3 on 26:11 K:BB in 40.2 IP over 28 G(3GS) with 40 H, 2 HR,
and a 3.10 ERA between AA Binghamton(EL) and AAA Norfolk(IL).
Brief bio: 26, B:R, T:R. Cerros displayed the best command of his career this year, and while he lacks the dominance to consistently excel in the majors, he should develop into a capable long reliever within the next few years.
Upside/ETA: AAAA reliever by 2004.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Toronto: Jorge Sequea, 2B, DET.
106/397 for .267/.343/.380 with 5 HR, 39 RBI, 55 R, 13/15 SB%,
and 41:79 BB:K at AA Erie(EL).
Brief bio: 22, B:S, T:R. He possesses good defense, decent plate discipline, developing power, and promising baserunning instincts, so while he'll need more development time to refine his skills, he can start at either AA or AAA in 2003 as he begins refining his talents.
Upside/ETA: Major League starter by 2007.
Quality of pick: Excellent.

Florida: Franklyn Gracesqui, LHP, TOR.
7-3 on 73:45 K:BB in 64.1 IP over 51 G with 55 H, 4 HR,
and a 3.92 ERA between A+ Dunedin(FSL) and AA Tennessee(SL).
Brief bio: 23, B:S, T:L. While he's never displayed good command, he's pitched decently in A-ball and now needs a few years to mature in the upper minors. Gracesqui could easily develop into a solid lefty reliever if he can reduce his walks.
Upside/ETA: Middle reliever by 2006.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Chicago White Sox: Felix Arellan, LHP, LA.
4-5 on 32:41 K:BB in 45.1 IP over 35 G(4G) with 53 H, 6 HR,
and a 9.53 ERA at A South Georgia(Sal).
Brief bio: 21, B:L, T:L. Arellan's selection boggles my mind since he both missed 2001 due to injury and owns a career K:BB of 138:151.
Upside/ETA: A+ reliever by 2005.
Quality of pick: Poor.

Boston: Elvis DeJesus, RHP, FLO.
3-3 on 40:20 K:BB in 42.2 IP over 29 G with 38 H, 1 HR,
and a 4.01 ERA at A Kane County(Mid).
Brief bio: 24, B:R, T:R. After two years in the Dominican Summer League and a season of Rookie-ball, DeJesus posted rather decent numbers upon reaching full-season ball. Unfortunately he gained three years in agegate, so I don't see much long-term upside for him.
Upside/ETA: AAAA reliever by 2007.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Montreal: Marco Yepez, SS, FLO.
55/192 for .286/.397/.401 with 0 HR, 22 RBI, 29 R, 19/27 SB%,
and 35:41 BB:K at R Marlins(GCL).
Brief bio: 20, B:S, T:R. One of the youngest players selected in the draft, Yepez compiled some interesting stats in his first look in the minors. While an abundance of errors and strikeouts worry me, he's a decent long-term project who could develop into an intriguing prospect in another year or two.
Upside/ETA: AAAA starter by 2008.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Seattle: Mike Steele, RHP, DET.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Brief bio: 24, B:R, T:R. Steele demonstrated excellent skills while closing for A West Michigan in 2001, and hopefully he'll return to form in 2003 after missing all of 2002 on the disabled list.
Upside/ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
Quality of pick: Solid.

Houston: Andres Astacio, RHP, LA.
5-5 on 67:26 K:BB in 93 IP over 31 G(10GS) with 98 H, 9 HR,
and a 3.87 ERA at A South Georgia(Sal).
Brief bio: 22, B:R, T:R. A full-time move to relief should allow him to demonstrate the dominance necessary for long-term success as a reliever as he owns excellent command and should continue developing for a few more years.
Upside/ETA: AAAA reliever by 2007.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Minnesota: Victor Moreno, RHP, PHI.
4-3 and 6 Saves on 47:25 K:BB in 36.2 IP over 24 G with 24 H, 3 HR,
and a 2.70 ERA between A- Batavia(NYP) and A Lakewood(Sal).
Brief bio: 23, B:R, T:R. He hasn't demonstrated decent command at A-ball, but as he's still relatively young and posts great strikeout rates, Moreno could develop into a useful reliever.
Upside/ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
Quality of pick: Solid.

Los Angeles: Chris Testa, OF, COL.
117/463 for .253/.336/.356 with 8 HR, 56 RBI, 66 R, 5/9 SB%,
and 48:98 BB:K at A Asheville(Sal).
Brief bio: 21, B:L, T:L. I don't see much upside for Testa as he lacks any notable tool or skill that would merit giving him a look above A-ball.
Upside/ETA: AA backup by 2006.
Quality of pick: Questionable.

Anaheim: Pablo Ochoa, RHP, NYM.
1-2 on 23:18 K:BB in 33.2 IP over 5 GS(12G) with 50 H, 6 HR,
and a 8.82 ERA between A+ St. Lucie(FSL) and AA Binghamton(EL).
Brief bio: 27, B:R, T:R. I see some upside as a reliever, but I don't see Ochoa ever sustaining success in the majors.
Upside/ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

San Francisco: Mike Cervanek, 1B, NYY.
136/492 for .276/.330/.478 with 21 HR, 91 RBI, 74 R, 5/7 SB%,
and 30:78 BB:K at AA Norwich(IL).
Brief bio: 26, B:R, T:R. He needs at least a third season at AA, since despite good power, he's displayed little plate discipline.
Upside/ETA: AAAA backup by 2006.
Quality of pick: Solid.

Oakland: Mike Campo, OF, ANA.
141/450 for .313/.451/.478 with 9 HR, 53 RBI, 86 R, 18/28 SB%,
and 75:127 BB:K at A+ Rancho Cucamonga(Cal).
Brief bio: 26, B:L, T:R. Campo's age obviously limits his upside, however he owns a little power and speed, along with that fantastic .451 OBP. He possesses intriguing potential if the Athletics can teach him to reduce his strikeouts.
Upside/ETA: AAAA starter by 2006.
Quality of pick: Excellent.

St. Louis: Andy Cavazos, RHP, TEX.
65 on 63:33 K:BB in 82.2 IP Over 33 G(10GS) with 66 H, 7 HR,
and a 3.92 ERA at A+ Charlotte(FSL).
Brief bio: 21, B:R, T:R. Cavazos merits a promotion to AA, although the Cardinals should strictly limit him to relief work unless they want his walk rate to rise. Between his decent overall skills and age, Cavazos is one of the more impressive players in the first round.
Upside/ETA: Major League reliever by 2006.
Quality of pick: Very good.

New York Yankees: Jason Maule, 3B, HOU.
45/171 for .263/.316/.347 with 2 HR, 15 RBI, 33 R, 13/17 SB%,
and 19:27 BB:K at AA Round Rock(TL).
Brief bio: 25, B:L, T:R. The Astros let him repeat A-ball before jumping him to AA in 2002 due to their lack of a A+ team, so we won't really know if he can regain his potential until he spends a full year starting at A+ in 2003. Unfortunately, given his wasted development time, I don't see him emerging as anything more than a speedy utility infielder.
Upside/ETA: AAAA backup by 2006.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Triple-A Phase, Round Two

San Diego: Virgilio DeLeon, OF, DET.
35/157 for .223/.268/.344 with 4 HR, 16 RBI, 22 R, 10/13 SB%,
and 8:52 BB:K at A- Oneonta(NYP).
Brief bio: 22, B:R, T:R. He demonstrated intriguing skills during three years in the Dominican Summer League, but DeLeon's failed to translate that talent into performance in the U.S. While there's some upside here, I don't see him finding much success above the low minors.
Upside/ETA: AA backup by 2007.
Quality of pick: Questionable.

Chicago Cubs: Mamon Tucker, OF, BAL.
142/473 for .300/.348/.376 with 4 HR, 55 RBI, 62 R, 9/17 SB%,
and 33:75 BB:K at A+ Frederick(Car).
Brief bio: 23, B:R, T:R. He hasn't developed as quickly as expected for the 39th overall pick in 1998, and there's little indication of any pending breakout despite this surprise .300 season.
Upside/ETA: AAA backup by 2006.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Baltimore: Charley Carter, 1B, DET.
138/492 for .280/.349/.478 with 21 HR, 92 RBI, 61 R, 1/1 SB%,
and 51:91 BB:K at AA Erie(EL).
Brief bio: 26, B:R, T:R. While he possesses decent power, he lacks the plate discipline and overall upside to develop into more than a AAA starter.
Upside/ETA: Major League backup by 2006.
Quality of pick: Solid.

Texas: Jason Dewey, C, COL.
86/358 for .240/.292/.419 with 13 HR, 64 RBI, 49 R, 5/9 SB%,
and 28:102 BB:K between AA Carolina(SL) and AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Brief bio: 25, B:R, T:R. He really should go back to A-ball for a few months to rediscover his formerly solid offensive skills, but he seems more likely to stagnate at the upper minor league levels for several seasons.
Upside/ETA: AAAA starter by 2006.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Cleveland: Randy Perez, LHP, BAL.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Brief bio: 22, B:L, T:L. He displayed fantastic command in the both the Sally and Carolina Leagues before a shoulder injury forced him out for the 2002 season. Assuming Perez is healthy in 2003, he could easily emerge as one of the most intriguing prospects in a system already very deep in pitching.
Upside/ETA: Major League 3rd starter by 2007.
Quality of pick: Superb.

Cincinnati: Ryan Owens, 3B, COL.
87/337 for .258/.350/.424 with 10 HR, 55 RBI, 42 R, 8/12 SB%,
and 45:107 BB:K between AA Carolina(SL) and AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).
Brief bio: 24, B:R, T:R. While Owens lacks the offensive upside to develop into a starter, he possesses enough overall skill to merit a long look as a backup.
Upside/ETA: Major League backup by 2005.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Toronto: Dan Jackson, RHP, ANA.
10-4 on 119:40 K:BB in 110 IP over 39 G(9GS) with 121 H, 9 HR,
and a 4.75 ERA between A+ Rancho Cucamonga(Cal) and AA Arkansas(TL).
Brief bio: 24, B:R, T:R. He's demonstrated excellent command throughout A-ball, and he could continue emerging as an intriguing prospect if he can display solid skills in his first full year at AA.
Upside/ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Florida: Eric Reynolds, LHP, NYY.
6-0 on 50:22 K:BB in 50.2 IP over 24 G(1GS) with 36 H, 2 HR,
and a 2.49 ERA between A- Staten Island(NYP) and A Greensboro(Sal).
Brief bio: 22, B:L, T:L. While he failed miserably in 10 games at Greensboro, his 43:10 K:BB in 37 innings at Staten Island suggest he could possess the skills to succeed at upper levels.
Upside/ETA: AAAA reliever by 2008.
Quality of pick: Solid.

Boston: Junior Herndon, RHP, SD.
7-13 on 59:52 K:BB in 159 IP over 27 GS(28G) with 172 H, 28 HR,
and a 5.26 ERA at AAA Portland(IL).
Brief bio: 24, B:R, T:R. He's displayed little talent in three full years while starting at AAA, so hopefully Boston will take a long look at him in relief since I don't see him contributing to a rotation.
Upside/ETA: AAAA swingman by 2004.
Quality of pick: Questionable.

Seattle: Mike Curry, OF, CIN.
103/369 for .279/.366/.360 with 2 HR, 28 RBI, 64 R, 17/27 SB%,
and 56:76 BB:K between AA Binghamton(EL), AAA Norfolk(IL),
A+ Stockton(Cal), and AA Chattanooga(SL).
Brief bio: 25, B:L, T:R. He bounced through four different teams displaying good leadoff skills on every club except Chattanooga. Curry looked like one of the best leadoff prospects in the game after a fantastic couple years with Kansas City that culminated with him posting a .418 OBP and 52/68 SB% at AA Wichita in 1999, but he stagnated after the Mets acquired him in 2001. He still possesses great skills, and while he's very unlikely to ever start for Seattle, he should emerge as a great reserve outfielder in the second half of 2003.
Upside/ETA: Major League starter by 2005.
Quality of pick: Excellent, but why didn't they sign him as a minor league free agent.

Houston: Nate Bland, LHP, NYM.
4-2 on 19:8 K:BB in 24.2 IP over 15 G with 16 H, 0 HR,
and a 2.55 ERA at AA Binghamton(EL).
Brief bio: 27, B:L, T:L. He's spent most of the last three years either injured or in the independent leagues, however he pitched decently well in the Texas League as recently as 1998. While I'm not sure if he possesses much upside, there's little downside to this gamble.
Upside/ETA: AAAA reliever by 2006.
Quality of pick: Solid.

Los Angeles: Brandon Warriax, SS, ANA.
68/372 for .183/.252/.288 with 7 HR, 25 RBI, 36 R, 3/5 SB%,
and 35:110 BB:K between AA Tulsa(TL), AA Arkansas(TL),
and A+ Rancho Cucamonga(Cal).
Brief bio: 23, B:R, T:R. Since he's displayed little offensive or defensive competence in six minor league seasons, I don't know why the Dodgers bothered selecting him.
Upside/ETA: AAA backup by 2008.
Quality of pick: Poor.

San Francisco: Corey Erickson, 3B, STL.
80/345 for .232/.309/.484 with 20 HR, 64 RBI, 49 R, 3/6 SB%,
and 34:101 BB:K at AA Akron(EL).
Brief bio: 25, B:R, T:R. As he possesses very good power and little plate discipline, I don't see Erickson as more than an attempt by the Giants to add minor league roster filler.
Upside/ETA: AAAA starter by 2007.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Oakland: Marc Sauer, RHP, FLO.
4-1 on 31:7 K:BB in 51.2 IP over 30 G with 32 H, 3 HR,
and a 2.26 ERA at A+ Jupiter(FSL).
Brief bio: 22, B:R, T:R. He only pitched 30 innings in 2001, but Sauer returned this year to compile an outstanding 4.4 K:BB. Even though his weak dominance suggests he'll struggle at higher levels, there's little reason not to add a pitcher after such a successful performance since you at least improve your system's depth.
Upside/ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Triple-A Phase, Round Three

San Diego: Aaron Dean, RHP, TOR.
3-7 on 82:44 K:BB in 99.2 IP over 15 GS(28G) with 118 H, 8 HR,
and a 5.42 ERA at A+ Dunedin(FSL).
Brief bio: 23, B:R, T:R. Dean hasn't displayed much development despite spending most of the last three seasons as Dunedin. He might find more success in relief, but I'm not overly impressed by his skills at this point.
Upside/ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Texas: Kurt Airoso, OF, PHI.
111/386 for .288/.385/.490 with 20 HR, 63 RBI, 76 R, 6/9 SB%,
and 57:107 BB:K at AA Erie(EL).
Brief bio: 27, B:R, T:R. I'd like to see him spend the year at AAA to see if he merits a look as a backup, but Airoso appears to lack the talent to advance above AAA for more than brief periods.
Upside/ETA: AAAA backup by 2005.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Cincinnati: Joel Barreto, RHP, STL.
2-3 and 10 Saves on 67:22 K:BB in 44.2 IP over 42 G with 34 H, 3 HR,
and a 2.42 ERA at A Peoria(Mid).
Brief bio: 22, B:R, T:R. While he's spent much of the last two years on the disabled list, Barreto displayed incredible skills when healthy this season, including a 13.5 K/9. He needs a few more years of seasoning, but organizations always should look to add players with skill sets like Barreto.
Upside/ETA: Major league middle reliever by 2007.
Quality of pick: Excellent.

Boston: Alex Carbajal, LHP, TB.
5-4 on 92:19 K:BB in 76 IP over 43 G(1GS) with 77 H, 5 HR,
and a 3.20 ERA at A+ Bakersfield(Cal).
Brief bio: 25, B:L, T:L. He overcame his homer problem for 2001 while increasing his already decent skills to excellent marks of a 4.8 K:BB and 10.9 K/9. Carbajal could emerge as a solid reliever within the next couple of seasons.
Upside/ETA: Major League short reliever by 2007.
Quality of pick: Superb.

Seattle: Rafael Boitel, OF, MIN.
61/254 for .240/.284/.315 with 1 HR, 28 RBI, 28 R, 11/14 SB%,
and 15:48 BB:K at A+ Fort Myers(Cal)
Brief bio: 21, B:S, T:S. Despite displaying good speed and defense, Boitel possesses neither power nor plate discipline, severely limiting his long-term upside.
Upside/ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Los Angeles: Nathan Ruhl, RHP, CIN.
1-5 and 19 Saves on 40:34 K:BB in 48 IP over 44 G with 47 H, 4 HR,
and a 4.88 ERA between AA Orlando(SL) and AA Chattanooga(SL).
Brief bio: 26, B:R, T:R. He surprisingly failed miserably in his second year at AA after compiling very solid numbers at Orlando in 2001. I don't know why Tampa didn't promote Ruhl this year, so hopefully Los Angeles will give him a better opportunity for advancement.
Upside/ETA: Major League middle reliever by 2005.
Quality of pick: Very good.

Oakland: Jake Krawczyk, RHP, MIL.
5-5 and 7 Saves on 84:21 K:BB in 78.2 IP over 52 G with 72 H, 7 HR,
and a 3.32 ERA between A+ High Desert(Cal), AA Huntsville(SL),
and AAA Indianapolis(IL).
Brief bio: 27, B:R, T:R. Despite outstanding skills throughout his career, Milwaukee made him repeat both A+ and AA before giving him all of 2.2 innings at AAA this year. Oakland effectively stole one of the best pitchers in the Brewers' system, and Krawczyk's upside compares favorably with Joe Valentine, who many media sources hailed as the sleeper in the Keith Foulke trade.
Upside/ETA: Major League short reliever by 2005.
Quality of pick: Excellent.

Boston: Jeremy Owens, OF, SD.
100/441 for .227/.297/.399 with 15 HR, 59 RBI, 58 R, 23/34 SB%,
and 42:157 BB:K between A+ Lake Elsinore(Cal) and AAA Portland(PCL).
Brief bio: 26, B:R, T:R. While he possesses good speed and decent power potential, he's shown little plate discipline in any of his five minor league seasons. I don't expect he'll ever see more than a brief cup-of-coffee in the majors.
Upside/ETA: AAAA backup by 2007.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Triple-A Phase, Round Four

Los Angeles: Derry Hammond, OF, MIL.
79/353 for .224/.276/.416 with 16 HR, 54 RBI, 49 R, 3/4 SB%,
and 24:112 BB:K at A+ High Desert(Cal).
Brief bio: 23, B:R, T:R. Hammond couldn't even display much power in a great hitters' park like High Desert, so I don't see why the Dodgers want to add an outfielder with little speed, plate discipline, or much overall potential.
Upside/ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
Quality of pick: Questionable.

Double-A Phase, Round One

Florida: Daniel Griffin, OF, MON.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Brief bio: 21, B:R, T:R. The Sun-Sentinel's Mike Berardino reported "Griffin...left the Expos in the spring and hasn't been seen or heard from since. 'No one knows where he is,' Marlins Assistant General Manager Jim Fleming said. 'But we'll find him.'" In 2001 at A- Vermont(NYP), Griffin hit .195/.258/.288 in 118 AB with no speed or plate discipline.
Upside/ETA: A-ball backup by 2004.
Quality of pick: Poor.

Chicago White Sox: Brandon O'Neal, RHP, ANA.
5-14 on 84:73 K:BB in 127.2 IP over 22 GS(26G) with 138 H, 7 HR,
and a 5.29 ERA between A+ Rancho Cucamonga(Cal) and AA Arkansas(TL).
Brief bio: 24, B:S, T:R. He's demonstrated awful command at every level, and I'm not sure if he'll even develop if moved to the bullpen.
Upside/ETA: AAA swingman by 2006.
Quality of pick: Poor.

Seattle: Eric Sandberg, LHP/1B, MIN.
15/65 for .231/.306/.308 with 0 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R, 0/0 SB%,
and 6:13 K:BB at A+ Fort Myers(FSL).
0-1 on 1:0 K:BB in 2.1 IP over 3 G with 3 HR, 0 HR,
and a 7.71 ERA between A Quad City(Mid) and A+ Fort Myers(FSL).
Brief bio: 23, B:L, T:L. He needs to rehab for a few more months after converting to pitcher this season, and since he's from Renton, Washington and lives in Spokane, the Mariners essentially drafted him to add another local kid with a little upside to the organization.
Upside/ETA: AAA reliever by 2005.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Minnestoa: Eric Fischer, LHP, CHW.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Brief bio: 23, B:S, T:L. He missed all of 2002 due to a broken left thumb, however he failed to impress in either of the previous two seasons at A+ Winston-Salem. I'd like him more if Minnesota moved him to the bullpen, though I suspect they'll first give him a few more months in a rotation.
Upside/ETA: AAAA swingman by 2006.
Quality of pick: Acceptable.

Anaheim: Gilberto Gonzalez, LHP, NYM.
No 2002 minor league stats.
Brief bio: 26, B:L, T:L. He spent the entire season in the Mexican League, but Gonzalez didn't even compile decent numbers while pitching at Monterrey. Aside from a brief run in the Sally League in 2001 where he dominated in five games, Gonzalez has shown little skill over the last half-dozen seasons.
Upside/ETA: AA reliever by 2005.
Quality of pick: Questionable.

Double-A Phase, Round Two

Chicago White Sox: Josh Hoschgesang, 3B, OAK.
83/354 for .234/.312/.404 with 13 HR, 62 RBI, 42 R, 3/8 SB%,
and 28:93 BB:K at AA Midland(TL).
Brief bio: 25, B:R, T:R. He's played in a great hitters' park the last two years, and yet we've seen little power or plate discipline from him. I don't see any upside in his unimpressive skills.
Upside/ETA: AAA backup by 2005.
Quality of pick: Poor.

Billy Beane and Oakland essentially ran this draft table. They acquired six players ready for at least AA for the total cost of ex-minor league free agent infielder Jose Flores and $136,000, or less than half of what it cost to sign any of the first 100 players in the June draft. Rontrez Johnson is already a competent fifth outfielder and could develop into a solid starter. The 5'10" Mike Neu has proven himself at every level of the minors and merits a 25th man spot even if he wasn't a Rule 5 pick. Continuing the short pitcher trend, the 5'9" Buddy Hernandez is one of the most promising relief prospects in the game and probably didn't need much AAA time. In the minor league phase, Oakland added a A+ outfielder with a .451 OBP, a A+ reliever with fantastic command, and a solid AA relief prospect who should contribute in the majors by the end of 2003. I can't imagine many teams ever drafting a better Rule 5 class, and the selection of these six players, combined with choosing almost exclusively college players with excellent skills back in June, returns them to among the top minor league systems in the game.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Since none of the players selected in the minor league phase were good enough to merit spots on their respective organization's extended AAA or AA lists, you shouldn't select any of them in your minor league draft. While I like the upside of guys like Curry, I'll be surprised to see any of them contribute in the majors or establish themselves as solid prospects within the next year.