MLB held the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft yesterday. Just a few clarifications about the minor league phase before we breakdown the results. Organizations can protect additional players in the minor league phase by placing them on the AAA roster which has 38 slots and again, I believe it is limited to players with 4 years of pro experience drafted out of college and 5 years for HS or younger international signings. Unlike the MLB phase, drafted players do not have to be offered back and can ultimately be placed at any minor league level the following season. With that introduction out of the way, let's break it down.
Giants minor leaguers were popular in this draft with a total of 6 taken by other organizations. The Giants added just one player, Michael Gigliotti. Churn effects were evident as only 2 of the departing players were drafted and developed by the Giants. Here's the list:
Conner Menez LHP, Cubs. A mild surprise Menez was not protected on the AAA roster. Giants obviously felt they had seen enough of him and moved on.
Matt Seelinger RHP, Phillies. Seelinger was acquired a couple of years ago in a trade. Was clearly an organizational pitcher without significant MLB prospects.
John Nogowski 1B, Braves. The Braves sure seem to like ex-Giants players. Nogowski was signed to a 2 year minor league deal in September 2021.
Vince Fernandez OF, A's. Fernandez went to college at UC Riverside so I was hoping the Giants coaches could help him break through. Hits for some power but struggles to make contact.
Jon Duplantier RHP, Dodgers. Duplantier was just signed to a minor league deal a week ago. Now grabbed by the Dodgers. May have the most upside of any of the players the Giants lost here. Grrr!!!!
Let's take a closer look at Michael Gigliotti, the latest player to enter FZ's Churn:
Michael Gigliotti OF. DOB: 2/14/1996. B-L, T-L. 6'1", 180 lbs.
2021(2 levels): .228/.380/.481, 4 HR, 6 SB, 100 PA.
I really liked Gigliotti as a speed/leadoff/CF prospect entering his junior season at Lipscomb. He got off to a slow start to the 2017 season and ended up drafted in round 4 by the Rays. He's maintained a high OBP and SB rate with little power in the pros but has not played above A+ level. Players who fit his profile have become extremely rare in the major leagues.
I've wondered if the Braves liking ex Giants players has something to do with the Braves GM having worked with FZ in the past in the LA front office. I see the Giants acquired Tanners Andrews RHP from the Braves in a minor league deal.
ReplyDeleteI was equally displeased that the Trolley Dodgers took Duplantier from the Giants. I was hoping to see him breakthrough in orange and black.
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