Comments on: Rule 5 Draft - News & Notes

By: Ryan Sullivan

Ryan Sullivan — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:32:17 +0000

Brian-

If you (hypothetically) had the first pick in this Rule 5 draft, who would you take for the Nats?

Also, what seems to be the knock on D'Antona? He seems like a nice bench piece at the very least and his numbers are pretty solid.

By: Brian Oliver

Brian Oliver — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:53:37 +0000

I’m still trying to dig up the available lists for other teams (most of what I have right now is spotty). Using Kline’s list as a menu, Bierd seems to have the stuff and size (6′4″ 190) to be an interesting gamble. Deduno might be a higher upside gamble but Ross Detwiler would call Deduno slight (6′1″ 160).

As for D’Antona, not sure what the knock on him is. Maybe scouts see him as a four-A player at best. My thoughts are that if you are going to roster someone like Robert Fick (utility corner guy/emergency catcher) then why not go with the cheaper guy who will likely give you comparable numbers if not better.

By: Louis J.

Louis J. — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:58:10 +0000

Not much from which to choose. I don’t see the Nats taking anybody. Instead, they’ll probably sign some 2nd tier free agents for the final two roster spots. There is the outside chance that Andruw Jones does not get what Boros wants and he’ll sign a 1 yr deal with some team to demonstrate that he still has “it”. Boros did this with Jeff Weaver last year. Kasten may be interested in Jones and I yr salary expenditure.

Jamie D’Antonia has always interested me. He’s a power hitter who at least could be a bench player and RHH/PH. He can fill-in at 3B/1B and, only in an emergency, he can give you an inning or two as a catcher. I don’t know why no team is interested in him.

By: Dick

Dick — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:27:50 +0000

BA had a pretty good list yesterday. Would love to get Brian Barton from the Tribe!

By: Louis J.

Louis J. — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:11:35 +0000

Dick

We already have a Brian Barton type (a scholar and CF w/speed and power potential and age 25). His name is Justin Maxwell (age 24).

By: Brian Oliver

Brian Oliver — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:19:05 +0000

Louis

I would not necessarily be opposed to them grabbing Barton assuming (1) it means the end of the Logan/Langerhans experiment and (2) it allows the Nationals to provide Maxwell a full season in Harrisburg to continue developing.

But, all of that being said, I don't imagine Barton is anywhere on the Nationals' radar for the reason you mentioned

By: Terry B

Terry B — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:32:49 +0000

Guys,

I'm sure I'll get to see Maxwell this summer, at least for a while, but Brian Barton is a stud. And it's probably just a numbers thing in the Indians organization that he is going to be left unprotected. He has a lot of physical gifts and seems to be the type of guy that gets along with his teamates.

There is a always a place, in every organization, for talent.

By: Louis J.

Louis J. — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:14:19 +0000

Terry B

I like Barton and wouldn't mind having him in Columbus but will the Nats use up a 25-man roster spot for a rookie CF. They are looking for more punch but Barton is an OBP man. The most doubles he ever hit was 18 and most HR was 12. Instead, I rather have switch-hitting Abraham Nunez as the #4 outfielder added to the 25-man roster.

By: Dick

Dick — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:49:10 +0000

Louis:

Take Barton, leave Barton, I don’t care! Just upgrade from Nook. As I said yesterday, I want to be convinced that Maxwell isn’t another Escobar, too. Also, I’m with Brian that Maxwell needs at least a couple of months in AAA to prove August wasn’t a fluke.