The Kernel Journal - Vol. 7, No. 2 - Rule V Madness

lynchy34 · Post by **lynchy34** » Mon May 30, 2011 11:38 am

It's unusual to have a Landis Memorial Series participant so involved in the offseason Rule V Draft. But that's exactly what happened to the defending Frick League champion Des Moines Kernels, who plucked a total of four players from other organizations. Being tight to the salary cap can do that to a club.

With their first round selection, the Kernels swiped 23-year-old P Jesus Torrealba from division rival Marquette. The lefty spent the entirety of the 2000 season dominating Single-A hitters. The former sixth round draft choice is well-developed with an excellent developmental curve. Needing someone to grow in the fifth starter role and without a left-handed starter, Torrealba was the natural choice to get his shot. He immediately joins the Kernels as their fifth best prospect, according to Baseball America.

The Kernels next addressed their need to find a backup catcher by drafting C Brian Almy from the Hawaii Tropics. Almy isn't anything spectacular, but brings average defense with a pretty average bat. The 26-year-old does have very good gap power and isn't prone to strikeouts, so he has that going for him. Hopefully, Almy won't see many at bats, because if he does, we're in trouble.

Round three saw Des Moines address a hole at the back of their bullpen by hitting up Hawaii again and selecting P Chase Pack. The Kernels have made no bones about it - Pack will be a reliever for this club. They have already tasked the club's pitching coaches to convert Pack into a reliever. His stuff should convert very well as a reliever, where he'll likely work in a longer relief role behind the Kernels' talented young trio of relief arms.

The defense-loving Kernels closed out the draft by poaching a luxury from Marquette in OF Chris Modzewski. Let's be honest - the guy can't hit a lick. But he plays Platinum Award caliber defense at all three outfield positions and is a passable backup at both second and third base. Modzewski, a career .251 hitter, will likely serve as a late-inning defensive replacement for the Kernels this season.

YouTube · Post by **recte44** » Mon May 30, 2011 12:28 pm

Modz is a nice utility guy to have, he's amazing in the field. Brad has given him extensive playing time because of that despite the fact that he's a sub .600 OBP guy- yikes.

lynchy34 · Post by **lynchy34** » Mon May 30, 2011 12:30 pm

If he gets 100 at bats, I'll poke myself in the eye with a fork.

7teen · Post by **7teen** » Mon May 30, 2011 1:27 pm

I like the pickups. Id just hate knowing I have to keep all 4 of them on my roster all-season. Torrealba is nice, but may develop slower now since he has to be on the roster. I don't know. I've never fully figured out how much having guys like him on the ML roster slows down development.

lynchy34 · Post by **lynchy34** » Tue May 31, 2011 6:04 am

7teen wrote:I like the pickups. Id just hate knowing I have to keep all 4 of them on my roster all-season. Torrealba is nice, but may develop slower now since he has to be on the roster. I don't know. I've never fully figured out how much having guys like him on the ML roster slows down development.

Yeah, obviously that's a concern, but they all were drafted with designed roles on the club so I think I'll be OK. I figured I could take the risk on Torrealba still developing from the #5 spot. A fully developed 6/8/7 lefty would be a nice add.

LambeauLeap · Post by **LambeauLeap** » Tue May 31, 2011 8:53 am

Torrealba is a tough loss but just didn't have enough room on the 40-man for him. Glad someone too Modz from me, that guy is a flaming turd.

lynchy34 · Post by **lynchy34** » Tue May 31, 2011 8:55 am

LambeauLeap wrote:Torrealba is a tough loss but just didn't have enough room on the 40-man for him. Glad someone too Modz from me, that guy is a flaming turd.

Offensively, yes, Modz is a heaping pile of dog shit. But if he only acts as a defensive replacement, he should be useful as a 6th OF.

aaronweiner · Post by **aaronweiner** » Tue May 31, 2011 9:10 am

Way to back up your pick there, lynchy.

LambeauLeap · Post by **LambeauLeap** » Tue May 31, 2011 9:11 am

YOu could'a had him last year for a 6-pack of Sam Adams without having to stick him on the 40-man

lynchy34 · Post by **lynchy34** » Tue May 31, 2011 9:12 am

LambeauLeap wrote:YOu could'a had him last year for a 6-pack of Sam Adams without having to stick him on the 40-man

I'm very guarded with my beer. I value it greatly. I probably wouldn't have made that deal!

LambeauLeap · Post by **LambeauLeap** » Tue May 31, 2011 10:40 am

lynchy34 wrote:
LambeauLeap wrote:YOu could'a had him last year for a 6-pack of Sam Adams without having to stick him on the 40-man
I'm very guarded with my beer. I value it greatly. I probably wouldn't have made that deal!

...and this is precisely why I don't like you.

YouTube · Post by **recte44** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 3:54 pm

LambeauLeap wrote:YOu could'a had him last year for a 6-pack of Sam Adams without having to stick him on the 40-man

Yeah, he actually cleared waivers at one point, IIRC.

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The Kernel Journal - Vol. 7, No. 2 - Rule V Madness

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