WHIV 2058.1- Slumming It In The Rule 5 Draft

[recte44]

Has it really come to this? We let our pitching depth, once such a great strength, get so thin that we had to actually use the Rule 5 Draft? And not only one guy, but three? Strange days indeed. Las Vegas hasn't used the Rule 5 Draft in so long that I can't even remember the last notable guy we got from it. And here we are drafting three pitchers who all have what appears to be a 50/50 chance of making the roster.

So who are these guys the Hustlers are suddenly slumming it for?

Las Vegas Hustlers: Drafted SP Phil Franklin in the 2057 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 21, 21st overall Pick) from the Nashville Bluebirds.
27 year old left-hander Phil Franklin was the first addition. For some reason the Bluebirds never advanced him past AA- despite the fact that he's actually been really, really good there. There's some makeup issues that are cause for some concern. Vegas is likely looking at him as a lefty out of the bullpen. He's only pitched a handful of games as a reliever in his career, so it'll be interesting to see how this experiment goes.

Las Vegas Hustlers: Drafted RP Marshall "Smug" Taylor in the 2057 Rule 5 Draft (Round 2, Pick 21, 53rd overall Pick) from the Calgary Pioneers.
Taylor, a 26 year old righty, has made 137 appearances (59 starts) with the Des Moines Kernels over the past five seasons. Calgary signed him to a minor league contract on December 16th this year, but didn't add him to the 40-man, so he was available in the Rule 5 and Vegas snapped him up. Best suited to relieve. He was actually the Kernels #1 pick (12th overall) in 2052. Solid bet to make the club.

Las Vegas Hustlers: Drafted RP Philippe Lucas in the 2057 Rule 5 Draft (Round 3, Pick 21, 85th overall Pick) from the Calgary Pioneers.
At 32 years old, Lucas is the elder statesman of the bunch. He was a BBA starting pitcher with Valencia in 2050-2051 and has been in the minor leagues ever since. The Hustlers love these stories (see Ash Davenport from last season). Besides being an arm that will be useful, Lucas has "captain" characteristics and is joining a team who doesn't currently have a "captain", per se.

Three came in, three went out. The Hustlers lost three players too, adding to their pitching depth while piddling away the outfield depth.

Las Vegas Hustlers: Lost RF Scotty Beemeup in the Rule 5 Draft to the Edmonton Jackrabbits.
Beemeup is perfect for Edmonton. Strong leader, still can hit for power and play the outfield corners.

Las Vegas Hustlers: Lost RF Kosho Kondo in the Rule 5 Draft to the Sacramento Mad Popes.
Kondo might be a long shot to stick, but he can play center field decently and is a premium corner outfielder with big power.

Las Vegas Hustlers: Lost CF Lao Kum in the Rule 5 Draft to the Charlotte Flyers.
Meh. I hope he sticks because he wasn't too likely to get back to the Hustlers big league roster anytime soon.

[Dington]

Where was Franklin supposed to play? Never gonna see a mound in Nashville and AAA was reserved for players > 27 years old. He's a decent enough player, just too many road blocks for success. Hope he gets some PT in Vegas. Could be a decent RP conversion candidate.

[recte44]

Where was Franklin supposed to play? Never gonna see a mound in Nashville and AAA was reserved for players > 27 years old. He's a decent enough player, just too many road blocks for success. Hope he gets some PT in Vegas. Could be a decent RP conversion candidate.

Point made. Your "pretty good for AA" guy might be a BBA guy for me.

[7teen]

If these guys don't cut it in Vegas, I'm sure they can make it in Portland.

Not sure why exactly I quit looking at more Ps to acquire in the Rule 5.

[Krathan]

I kind of doubt that Kum stays with me. I’ll see what he can do in ST but I thought I had clicked “or” for him in a group that included Mick Scott who I drafted a round earlier.

[Dington]

Where was Franklin supposed to play? Never gonna see a mound in Nashville and AAA was reserved for players > 27 years old. He's a decent enough player, just too many road blocks for success. Hope he gets some PT in Vegas. Could be a decent RP conversion candidate.

Point made. Your "pretty good for AA" guy might be a BBA guy for me.

Wasn't a shot by any means, but you questioned why he never made it past AA. I hope you convert him.

[recte44]

Where was Franklin supposed to play? Never gonna see a mound in Nashville and AAA was reserved for players > 27 years old. He's a decent enough player, just too many road blocks for success. Hope he gets some PT in Vegas. Could be a decent RP conversion candidate.

Point made. Your "pretty good for AA" guy might be a BBA guy for me.

Wasn't a shot by any means, but you questioned why he never made it past AA. I hope you convert him.

Nah, he'll either make it or not on his own merits. I'm contemplating a conversion for Jason Wing.