Got That Rule 5 Fever

Jason Michael Barker

I've always been intrigued by the Rule 5 draft, which places young players on major league rosters despite their being far from ready for the majors. It's not quite that simple, of course, but that's generally the end result.

To recap: Minor leaguers, as determined by the age at which they signed their first contract, must be placed on their team's 40-man roster after either their third or fourth professional season. Those who are left off are eligible for the Rule 5 draft.

The catch is that players chosen must stick on the drafting team's major league roster all season, so few players are chosen at all. Even fewer last all year, as teams generally get sick of keeping a utility infielder or relief pitcher who really should be in double-A working on his plate discipline or developing a changeup.

This year, no fewer than seven players from the Rule 5 began the year in the majors -- eight if you include Kevin McGlinchy, who is on Tampa Bay's 60-day disabled list and hasn't pitched since last August.

Here, then, is a rundown of the lucky seven.

LHP Steve Kent, Tampa Bay
The Devil Rays have taken full advantage of the Rule 5 this season, starting the year with three players on their 25-man roster in addition to the aforementioned McGlinchy. Kent was drafted by the Angels from the Mariners, then traded to Tampa Bay (trades are common in Rule 5 dealings). As a situational lefty, he has the best chance to stick around all year because he can actually help a major league club right now. Kent fanned 73 in 65.1 innings for high-A San Bernardino last season, and so far in the majors has allowed lefties just one hit in nine at-bats.

RHP Jorge Sosa, Tampa Bay
I saw Sosa pitch at short-season Everett last year, and it was clear he wasn't even ready for double-A, let alone the majors. That didn't stop the Devil Rays from grabbing him off waivers from the Brewers (who drafted him from the Mariners) and sticking him in their bullpen, however. A lanky kid with surprising smooth mechanics for a guy who has only been pitching for two years, Sosa hits 97 when he's on but that's about it. If he does stick in the majors, I expect he'll get shelled regularly.

SS Felix Escalona, Tampa Bay
The third and final Tampa entry on this list, Escalona is a young, raw middle infielder with good pop in his bat. Originally the property of the Astros, Escalona was drafted by the Giants and had a very strong spring, but was exposed to waivers and picked up by the Devil Rays. He showed good power at class-A Lexington last year, with 42 doubles and 16 homers to go along with 46 steals. He also led the league in fielding percentage. In other words, he's a good prospect -- hopefully the Devil Rays don't ruin him by letting him rot on the bench all year.

SS Luis Ugueto, Seattle
Ugueto won the final roster spot on the Mariners this spring, beating out veteran utility scrub Alex Arias. He isn't really the utility man, though, as he has appeared in just four games and has yet to bat or play an inning in the field. Basically, he's just a pinch runner, but so far so good -- two stolen bases and two runs scored. Manager Lou Piniella has all but said he won't play Ugueto this year other than the occasional pinch running spot, so we'll have to wait until next year to see if his glove is as good as advertised.

RHP Miguel Ascencio, Kansas City
Perhaps the most coveted player in this year's draft, Ascencio posted a 2.84 ERA over 155.1 innings at high-A Clearwater last season, allowing only 124 hits. Just 21 years of age, he already throws in the low 90's and has an advanced changeup for his age. Unfortunately, he still has major problems with his control. In his only appearance this year, Ascencio walked all four batters he faced on a total of 16 pitches. Perhaps the 70 walks he issued last season should have been some indication, but would you ever predict a performance so horrible? Ouch.

RHP Corey Thurman, Toronto
Thurman pitched well as a starter at double-A last season, so he should be closer to the majors than the other guys on this list. He doesn't have great stuff, but he has made steady progress in the minors to the point that you have to wonder why the Royals couldn't find a spot for him on their 40-man roster. Unlike many Rule 5 picks Thurman is expected to pitch quite a bit, and so far he has been scored upon in just one of five appearances.

RHP Jeff Farnsworth, Detroit
Another draftee out of the Seattle organization, Farnsworth has been solid but unspectacular in his minor league career. He was extremely hittable last season in allowing 182 hits in 155.1 innings at AA San Antonio, though he only walked 47 in keeping with generally strong command. Basically he's got a shot to stick as a long reliever if everything goes right, but hey, somebody has to fill that role.

Of the players on this list, I'm most intrigued by Kent and Escalona. Kent because he's an example of the sort of useful players who are available in the Rule 5, and Escalona because he looks like a pretty decent prospect. Best of all, in Tampa Bay both should get a shot to play regularly rather than collecting dust on the bench all year.

about the author

Jason Michael Barker was selected in the baseball writing version of the Rule 5, but ESPN returned him after his first column contained no fewer than six four-letter bombs. Share his pain at jmb@strikethree.com.

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