Slugger Shavings 2062.3 - Rule 5 is Alive

[RT60]

In 2057, with the second pick in the second round of the draft, Brooklyn selected closer Juan Alonzo. On that draft day, the 16-year-old was obviously a risk, but appeared to have a solid foundation. He looked like a decent project that would hopefully be able to one day close games at the major league level. His first couple years in the minors were definitely rocky, with a glaring control problems overshadowing his promise. But after that he settled into a nice development path.

Fast forward to the end of 2061, with the Sluggers holding the second pick in the Rule 5 draft. Given the team's bullpen struggles, GM BP was looking at all possibilities. Louisville had never really been much a Rule 5 draft participant under his tenure, but it was time to change that. With that second pick, the Sluggers selected Alonzo, despite the fact that he had never pitched above Single A. He still had much more development ahead, but his promise was obvious.

"I didn't select Alonzo to help us this season, or maybe even next season. This was a bet for the future. And I think it is going to pay off," said GM BP.

Indeed, Alonzo looks like he could be a fantastic reliever once fully formed. The team did have to endure his 10.60 ERA and -1.8 WAR this season, but it wasn't a playoff team anyway. Despite the struggles against major league bats, Alonzo's development has skyrocketed, jumping up two levels of velocity up to 100 MPH, and seeing his overall potential increase to a semi-elite level. He arguably has earned a place in Louisville's bullpen next season, and may be able to avoid spending any time in the team's farm system.

"I was scared to death every time I was out there," admitted Alonzo. "But it means a lot knowing the team thinks I will be an important piece in the future. I am going to do my best to turn some heads next season."

[RonCo]

Always an interesting gambit.

[Trebro]

I'm a big believer in doing this when you know you aren't going to be a contender. Of course, you ended up being a contender for a bit so sometimes it can be hard to predict. But I think you can make this one work. Heading to AA now, I'd wager?

[RT60]

I'm a big believer in doing this when you know you aren't going to be a contender. Of course, you ended up being a contender for a bit so sometimes it can be hard to predict. But I think you can make this one work. Heading to AA now, I'd wager?

No lower than AAA but a real good shot at staying in Louisville. My bullpen is that bad, at least right now.