We Got Wood - 43.43 - Finding Rule 5 Perfection

[7teen]

Drafting players in the Rule 5 draft is a crapshoot. About as much as the ammy draft it seems. Recently, more guys that do get drafted get returned to their team of origin rather than sticking with their new club. Whether it's no roster room or lack of good play, most guys don't cut it. But in 2043, the Portland Lumberjacks are making the most of their two Rule 5 acquisitions.

Andino Bianchi and Jorge Alonzo (drafted from Chicago and Valencia in Rounds 1 and 2 respectively by Portland in the Rule 5 draft) not only made the Portland roster for 2043 but are proving they can succeed in the role they've been given. Through the first 37 games this season, Bianchi and Alonzo have adapted to their roles with, well, perfection. Neither has allowed a run to cross the plate this season out of the Portland bullpen.

"I may only be asked to get one or two batters a night" said Bianchi about his early season success. "And I've been able to do that this season."

"I'm typically fresh when my name is called" added Alonzo. "Like Andino said, I need to get 1 or 2 guys when I am called. I throw it with everything I have and get the outs then let the other guys take offer. If that's what I need to do to stay in the big leagues, then so be it!"

Both Bianchi and Alonzo are being used as "specialists". Bianchi has been asked to get out a key lefty batter or two, and Alonzo likewise with righties. And the duo has done this with perfection. Andino Bianchi has been called on to pitch in 9 of the first 37 games Portland has played this season. He has recorded a total of 12 outs this season, that's 4 innings pitched. He's allowed just 1 hit. That's it. No runs, no walks. He has a 0.00 ERA, 0.25 WHIP, and has struck out 6 while retiring lefty bats of the opponents.

Jorge Alonzo has been equally as impressive. He's been called on 11 times, getting 13 outs total, that's 4.1 innings of work. He's allowed 1 hit, walked 2, and struck out 3. He has a perfect 0.00 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP.

"They've been the epitome of a role player" said manager Pedro Medina. "They know their role and are happy to perform it. 'Get this guy, just this guy' I'll tell one of them on the mound. And more times than not they get that guy. Can this streak hold? I sure as hell hope so!"

Some may counter that using two of your 27 spots on your roster on guys who will only log about 40 innings total combined is a waste. But if they produce a positive WAR combined and get outs, then it could be worth it in the end for the Lumberjacks who are in the midst of their best start in franchise history. And for a team projected to have a bad bullpen, any positive out of the pen is a positive.

[GoldenOne]

When you are an expansion team, Rule 5 can be a big help in building that roster. I've gotten two guys that way in the last couple of years.

[gcsii99]

maybe these guys got new glasses?