UPDATE: The Nationals have moved from #5 to #6 in the draft order with the Reds release of Jorge Cantu
Here are the 20 teams that can select (have an open spot on their 40-man) in tomorrow’s Rule 5 Draft.
- Rays (38)
- Orioles (37)
- Giants (38)
- Marlins (39) … if the Cabrera/Willis trade is official prior to the draft (Marlins can draft regardless of trade status)
- Reds (39) … waived Jorge Cantu
- Nationals (38)
- Astros (36)
- Athletics (39)
- Twins (38)
- Dodgers (38)
- Blue Jays (39)
- Cubs (38)
- Mariners (39)
- Tigers (38) … if the Cabrera/Willis trade is official prior to the draft (otherwise the Tigers are filled at 40)
- Mets (37)
- Padres (35)
- Phillies (39)
- Rockies (38)
- Diamondbacks (39)
- Red Sox (38)
Chris | 05-Dec-07 at 8:34 am | Permalink
From the BA Rumor Mill
RUMOR MILL
• Royals outfielder Chris Lubanski to the Marlins with the fourth overall selection. Lubanski, the fifth overall pick in 2003, was touted for his speed and developing power early in his career. He’s still just 22, and a lot of teams have him on their Rule 5 radar for that reason more than anything else, but the fact is that Lubanski isn’t a plus runner anymore as he’s grown into his frame. He’s not even above-average. “This is a fringe-average runner for me,” said one AL scouting director. And Lubanski didn’t do himself any favors in the Arizona Fall League, often making weak contact and wound up hitting .200/.266/.412 in 85 at-bats.
Three more months | 05-Dec-07 at 9:03 am | Permalink
I thought even the Rays might be interested in him. I think we need an infielder more at this point.
estuartj | 05-Dec-07 at 12:48 pm | Permalink
When does the draft actually take place, and when will we know if/who we grabbed?
Brian Oliver | 05-Dec-07 at 12:51 pm | Permalink
Draft begins tomorrow at 10AM ET
Louis J. | 05-Dec-07 at 3:44 pm | Permalink
Brian
Did the Nationals resign Abraham Nunez (OF) to a minor league contract. He played with Colombus last year. Although he was injured last year, he’s a handy guy to have around since he’s a switch-hitter w/some power and can play all outfield positions.
Brian Oliver | 05-Dec-07 at 3:46 pm | Permalink
Louis - Not as of today
Louis J. | 05-Dec-07 at 4:34 pm | Permalink
What a downer for Jorge Cantu. Great 2005 season w/Rays and now released by the Reds. I realize that he’s a hitter and not great on defense but neither is Jeff Kent. His 27 games w/Reds at the end of 2007 were pretty good offensively.
Louis J. | 05-Dec-07 at 5:43 pm | Permalink
The Nats just released Billy Traber & Justin Jones (who they just put on the 40-man roster). Their roster now stands at 36! Does this mean that trades (catcher/starting pitcher), free agent signings (??) and/or at least one Rule 5 selection is coming tonight or tomorrow. They’re getting low (to 36) today for a reason. Traber & Jones could have been released next week if a trade/signing was not going to happen this week.
estuartj | 05-Dec-07 at 5:46 pm | Permalink
Barry at WaPo said that the Nats released Justin Jones and Billy Traber, and that JimBow said that this rule 5 draft is “weak”. Any idea why they would cut those two loose now?
Dick | 05-Dec-07 at 6:33 pm | Permalink
LouisJ: Jason Jennings, Paul Lo Duca (he writes holding his nose), Fernando Hernandez, Dusty Hughes. Something like that would be plausible. Chris makes good points about Lo Duca. Actually, though, he shows how easy it is to replace a Schnieder. Would Lo Duca make the Millings trade the equivalent of Screech’s Best Friend’s Main Main! for Lastings straight up?