The Brewster

Normally, going into Rule 5, I take an approach of one position per round. That is, if I need, say, a backup catcher and a lefty reliever, I focus on backup catchers in round one and lefty relievers in round two. This year, I decided to try something different; I simply took the best player available in rounds one and two, regardless of position. So how did that work out?

Well... I basically got two identical players: Jim Redmon from Calgary and Joe Winters from Nashville. They're both right-hand hitting outfielders (which I needed) who are fine in the corners but shouldn't play center. Both have succeeded in AA but not really in AAA, and both are known for good intangibles. Jim is 24, and Joe is 22.

So what do I do? Well, Jim is major league ready for sure in my book; I think he's going to end up seeing some fairly significant playing time. Joe is a little farther away; I'm trying to work a deal which would allow me to send him to the minors, which would be the best thing for him. If that doesn't happen, I'm okay with keeping him in the majors all season- he's actually got better speed and power than Jim, and it's not hard to imagine him being kind of useful to have around.

Plus, if they both make the bigs they can be roommates... Then everyone will be REALLY confused about which is which...