We'll get right to the point: The Giants absolutely should select a player with the #2 overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft tomorrow. Even if they don't think they have a need for a player of that pedigree, ther is really no risk as the net cost if they end up sending the player back to their original team is a measly $25 K. A player selected that high in the Rule 5 draft also is likely to have some trade value. So, with that background, let's take a look at some specific players the Giants might pick. The hardest tool to project in a rule 5 draftee is the hit tool. If the only thing you are looking for is a bat, it might be best to look elsewhere. What you can find in the Rule 5 Draft is pitching, especially relief pitching, and defense. The Giants just happen to be in the market for a defensive CF and for help in the bullpen. There you go!
RHP Burch Smith- ranked by many as the #1 player in the Rule 5 Draft, Smith is a hard throwing RHP with 36 innings of MLB experience in 2013 for the Padres. He missed all of 2015 and 2016 with Tommy John surgery. he pitched at 3 levels in the Rays organization last year, putting up a 2.43 ERA in 37 IP at AA and a 1.65 ERA in 15.1 IP in AAA. He could be in the mix for a 5'th starter/swingman role at the MLB Level.
CF Ian Miller- B-L, T-R. Miller was left off the Mariners 40 man roster. He is a plus defender in CF and can really fly. He hit .326 with 30 SB in AA ball last year but fell off to .256 with 13 SB in AAA, albeit a small sample size. Miller could contend for a starting or platoon role in CF for the Giants.
CF Victor Reyes- B-S, T-R. Very similar player to Miller but from the D'Backs organization. Plus defender in CF. Hit .292 with 18 SB last year at AA and then had a very solid Arizona Fall League.
LHP Nestor Cortes- Soft tossing lefty out of the Yankees organization. Has always been solid in the minors but caught fire last year. Doesn't have great velocity(sits 88-89 MPH) but may have enough secondary stuff, particularly a changeup, to be effective as a 5'th starter/swingman. He's a flyball pitcher, which is not a great profile for a soft tosser, but he seems to be able to miss bats with his assortment of pitches.
I am sure there are others that deserve consideration, but those 4 caught my eye.
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Breaking news, the Gisnts are now in the Manny Machado derby. They are offering Arroyo and others,but just got rejected, stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteThis one I hope they lose!
ReplyDeleteI was hoping for the Rangers CF Jose Cardona, according to reports, plus defensively in CF, plus has been a good contact hitter in the minors.
ReplyDeleteCortes looked interesting because we could use a loogy. Did not hear about Miller or Reyes. From you description, either would have been nice to try out in CF, not that Fernandez don't sound nice too. But CF defensive seems to me to be their biggest need, and as you noted astutely, it is a no risk try. Heck, they could have selected one of these CF in the second round, I think one team even picked into the third round (Orioles?). Especially since Gorkys was actually negative last season defensively in CF. Time to find another Blanco.
Oh, just noticed that the Tigers took Reyes with the first pick! Sounds nice: https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/tigers-see-victor-reyes-part-outfield-solution/#QrFZ3btJ840iAiAy.97
ReplyDeleteWonder if the Giants had him in their sights or not, but don't matter, he's gone.