Good news first.
Adam Miller survived the Rule 5 draft and will continue his comeback within the Indians organization. The Tribe gambled and won here and, if all goes well, we can expect Miller in the bigs sometime over the summer. Also, the bad news is not so bad. The first 2 picks of the draft both came out of the Indians farm system, but neither is what I could describe as a real loss. Pittsburgh selected IF
Josh Rodriguez 1st overall. They like to call this kid "J-Rod" down Columbus way and he had some offensive success and a lot of press about a potential call-up last season. His ceiling, though, is low. He projects as a reserve that could add some pop at 2nd or short and not as an everyday player, although neither did
Wilson Valdez. With the 2nd pick the Mariners grabbed RHP
Jose Flores. It's a real shot in the dark move as Flores has never pitched above low A. He has good size and velocity, but the jury is definitely still out on him. The Indians, as expected, did not select anyone themselves.
While we're on the subject let's catch up on MLB transactions --
Carl Crawford to the RedSox - 7yrs, $142mil. Boston's getting scary.
Carlos Pena to the Cubs - 1-yr, $10mil.
Paul Konerko re-ups with the ChiSox - 3-yrs, $37.5mil
JJ Hardy traded to the Orioles with a backup infielder for a couple of minor league pitchers. Looks like the O's are gonna try to make a push.
Melky Cabrera and
Jeff Francoeur to the Royals - 1-yr apiece, $1.25mil & $2.5mil respectively.
Jason Bartlett to the Padres for a couple of minor league pitchers.
George Sherrill signs with the Bravos - 1-yr, $1.2mil
Jack Cust to the M's - 1-yr, $2.5mil
Last, and certainly least,
Mike Hampton signs a minor league deal to return to the Diamondbacks.
