Hey, come back with that...
A sign of good team depth is losing players in the Rule 5 Draft. This year is no different with Twin Cities losing four players. Let's take a look at the losses.......
Félix Féliz - Pitcher Biography
Félix Féliz is a right-handed pitcher known for his impressive velocity and consistent performance in the minor leagues. Born in 2032, Féliz has steadily climbed the ranks, showcasing his skills and resilience on the mound.
Career Overview
Féliz began his professional career at the age of 18 with Russelville in the rookie league. Despite a challenging start, where he posted a 6.21 ERA in 37.2 innings, his potential was evident. Over the years, Féliz faced ups and downs, but he consistently demonstrated his ability to learn and adapt.
Minor League Stats and Progression
-2050 (Russelville - R): At 18, Féliz played 10 games, all as a starter, finishing with a 6.21 ERA over 37.2 innings. Despite his 0-4 record, he struck out 20 batters but struggled with control, walking 38.
-2051 (Saturn - S A): Féliz continued to develop, appearing in 14 games with a 7.11 ERA over 62 innings. He showed improvement in strikeouts, but his ERA indicated he still had room to grow.
-2052 (Saturn - S A): In his second year with Saturn, Féliz started 16 games, achieving a 4.90 ERA in 75.1 innings. His record of 1-12 highlighted the team's struggles, but Féliz's individual performance showed signs of improvement.
-2053 (Redwood City - A): Féliz split the season between Redwood City and Jamestown, posting a combined ERA of 4.22 over 73.2 innings. His control and consistency improved, leading to a promising stint in AA with Jamestown.
-2054 (Mars - AAA): Moving up to AAA, Féliz started 26 games, finishing with a 5.39 ERA over 122 innings. Despite the high ERA, he managed 50 strikeouts, showing his ability to compete at higher levels.
-2055 (Mars - AAA): Féliz transitioned to a relief role, appearing in 42 games with a 3.43 ERA over 60.1 innings. His performance as a reliever was a highlight, showcasing his versatility and endurance.
-2056 (Mars - AAA): Returning to a mixed role, Féliz posted a 5.95 ERA in 59 innings, struggling with consistency but maintaining his high velocity and strikeout ability.
-2057 (St. Joseph - AA): Féliz had a breakout season, starting 24 games with a 3.32 ERA over 173.1 innings. His control and strikeouts improved significantly, making him a reliable starter.
-2058 (St. Joseph - AA): Building on the previous year, Féliz achieved a stellar 2.64 ERA over 194 innings. His 16-6 record and 151 strikeouts highlighted his dominance in AA.
-2059 (Duluth - AAA): In his latest season, Féliz started 25 games for Duluth, recording a 5.08 ERA over 161.1 innings. Despite the high ERA, he managed 93 strikeouts and maintained his position as a valuable pitcher.
Pitching Profile
Féliz is known for his fastball, which consistently clocks in at 93-95 mph, and his curveball, which has shown improvement over the years. He also throws a reliable changeup, making him a well-rounded pitcher. His stamina and ability to hold runners add to his value, making him a potential starter or a versatile bullpen asset.
Impact
We gave Feliz a $1,250,000 signing bonus 3 years ago. And to his credit, he has done everything to earn that and a look in spring training. But for whatever reason we have soured on him a bit. He could end up being a valuable bullpen contributor for Brooklyn.
Mokichi Nakamura - Pitcher Biography
Mokichi Nakamura is a seasoned right-handed pitcher known for his extreme groundball tendencies and remarkable endurance on the mound. Born in 2030, Nakamura has carved out a niche for himself in the minor leagues with his consistency and ability to induce ground balls.
Career Overview
Nakamura began his professional career at the age of 19, quickly showing his potential with strong performances across various minor league levels. His journey has been marked by notable achievements and steady progress, making him a reliable asset in the pitching rotation.
Minor League Stats and Progression
-2049 (San Angelo - S A): At 19, Nakamura started 15 games, posting a 4.16 ERA over 71.1 innings. His 7-1 record and 62 strikeouts highlighted his potential despite a high WHIP of 1.68.
-2050 (Billings - A): Nakamura had a standout season, starting 29 games with a 3.91 ERA over 145 innings. His 10-8 record, coupled with 72 strikeouts, demonstrated his ability to handle a significant workload.
-2051 (Billings - A & St. Joseph - AA): This year marked a turning point, with Nakamura excelling in A ball with a 2.37 ERA over 83.2 innings. However, he faced challenges upon moving up to AA, recording a 6.80 ERA over 41 innings.
-2052 (Columbus - AA): Nakamura rebounded with a strong performance, starting 27 games with a 3.77 ERA over 167 innings. His 10-12 record and 107 strikeouts underscored his resilience and ability to compete at a higher level.
-2053 (Albuquerque - AAA): Moving up to AAA, Nakamura maintained a 3.46 ERA over 117 innings. His consistent performance and 100 strikeouts highlighted his adaptability and endurance.
-2054 (Albuquerque - AAA): Nakamura continued to impress, appearing in 45 games with a 3.74 ERA over 101 innings. His control and strikeout numbers remained solid, showcasing his reliability.
-2055 (Columbus - AA & Albuquerque - AAA): Splitting the season, Nakamura had a 3.65 ERA over 12.1 innings in AA and a stellar 2.40 ERA over 75 innings in AAA. His ability to transition between levels smoothly was evident.
-2056 (Indianapolis - AAA): Nakamura faced some struggles, posting a 4.64 ERA over 54.1 innings. Despite this, he continued to show flashes of his potential with 39 strikeouts.
-2057 (Indianapolis - AAA): This season was challenging for Nakamura, with a 5.65 ERA over 57.1 innings. However, his perseverance and ability to maintain his role were commendable.
-2058 (Duluth - AAA): Nakamura bounced back with a remarkable 1.93 ERA over 37.1 innings, showcasing his ability to dominate in a relief role.
-2059 (Duluth - AAA): In his latest season, Nakamura started 26 games, recording a 4.11 ERA over 175 innings. His 12-8 record and 108 strikeouts highlighted his resilience and ability to handle a starter’s workload.
Pitching Profile
Nakamura's pitching arsenal includes a changeup, sinker, and splitter, with his sinker being particularly effective in inducing ground balls. His velocity ranges between 92-94 mph, and he is known for his extreme groundball tendencies. Nakamura's stamina is one of his standout attributes, allowing him to go deep into games and handle a high number of innings.
Impact
I like Mokichi a lot as a player who can outperform his ratings with a good defense. So much so that we considered rostering him in front of the Rule 5 draft. But the vitals don't lie. He is a 5/6/6 relief pitcher with no plus pitches. You just don't go out of your way to keep those players. I suspect he will get rocked in Brooklyn and come home soon. He is a pitch to contact pitcher and batted balls in Brooklyn fall in like a pebble thrown in a lake.
Javier 'Junior' Cruz - Pitcher Biography
Javier 'Junior' Cruz is a left-handed pitcher known for his versatility and resilience on the mound. Born in 2035, Cruz has demonstrated a steady progression through the minor leagues, showing potential as a reliable starter with a mix of solid pitches and commendable control.
Career Overview
Cruz began his professional career at the age of 18 and quickly showcased his talent across various minor league levels. His journey has been marked by significant achievements, consistent development, and adaptability, making him a promising asset in any pitching rotation.
Minor League Stats and Progression
-2053 (Edinburgh - COL): At 18, Cruz started 9 games, posting a 4.35 ERA over 41.1 innings. His 59 strikeouts highlighted his potential despite a relatively high WHIP of 1.35.
-2054 (Eastern Europe - COL & Cheyenne - R): Cruz had a standout performance in COL with a 2.25 ERA over 48 innings and 54 strikeouts, reflecting his dominance. However, his transition to Cheyenne was challenging, recording a 5.13 ERA over 33.1 innings.
-2055 (San Angelo - S A): Cruz showed significant improvement, starting 13 games with a 3.26 ERA over 99.1 innings. His 89 strikeouts and low WHIP of 1.19 underscored his growing command and effectiveness.
-2056 (Billings - A): This was a breakthrough year for Cruz, where he started 24 games, posting a stellar 2.25 ERA over 195.2 innings. His 15-6 record and 167 strikeouts highlighted his dominance and durability.
-2057 (Billings - A): Cruz continued his strong performance, starting 27 games with a 3.50 ERA over 205.2 innings. His 14-8 record and 212 strikeouts showcased his consistency and endurance.
-2058 (Billings - A & St. Joseph - AA): Cruz maintained his form in A ball with a 3.13 ERA over 158.1 innings and 141 strikeouts. However, his brief stint in AA was challenging, recording a 5.27 ERA over 13.2 innings.
-2059 (St. Joseph - AA): Cruz rebounded with a solid performance in AA, posting a 3.04 ERA over 124.1 innings. His 99 strikeouts and 7-5 record highlighted his adaptability and resilience.
Pitching Profile
Cruz's pitching arsenal includes a slider, changeup, and knuckleball, with his knuckleball being particularly effective. His velocity ranges between 89-91 mph, and he is known for his ability to hold runners effectively. Cruz's stamina allows him to handle a high number of innings, making him a reliable starter.
Impact
I forgot this guy existed. He is the lefty Knuckleballer I picked up in the second round of a shitty draft a few years back. At 25 potential and 5/5/4 ratings, I shouldn't give an "Al Hoot" about this pick.... But he's a lefty... and a knuckleballer! The only one in the game. I guess I'm really mad at the fact that I didn't trade this Saola Unicorn to Shoeless, where I could have probably netted a halfway decent prospect for him out of novelty.
Rich Moore - Utilityman Biography
Rich Moore is a versatile utility player known for his ability to adapt to various positions on the field. Born in 2031, Moore has had a career characterized by steady contributions both in the minor and major leagues. Despite facing challenges in maintaining a consistent batting average in the majors, Moore has proven to be a reliable and adaptable player in the minors.
Major League Career
Moore made his debut in the BBA at the age of 21 with the Yellow Springs. Over his time in the majors, Moore played for both Yellow Springs and Chicago, with varying degrees of success. His best season came in 2053 when he appeared in 123 games, collecting 87 hits, 13 doubles, and 42 RBIs. Despite struggling with consistency, Moore's ability to fill in multiple roles made him a valuable asset for his teams.
Major League Stats
-2052 (Yellow Springs - BBA): Played 10 games, batting .182 with 6 hits and 5 RBIs.
-2053 (Yellow Springs - BBA): Appeared in 123 games, batting .238 with 87 hits, 13 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, and 42 RBIs.
-2054 (Yellow Springs - BBA): Played 24 games, batting .151 with 8 hits.
-2055 (Chicago - BBA): Appeared in 30 games, batting .172 with 16 hits and 1 home run.
-2056 (Chicago - BBA): Played 68 games, batting .223 with 29 hits.
-2057 (Chicago - BBA): Appeared in 45 games, batting .235 with 19 hits.
-2058 (Chicago - BBA): Played 76 games, batting .210 with 29 hits.
Minor League Career
Moore's minor league career showcased his adaptability and ability to contribute across various levels. He demonstrated consistent hitting ability, particularly in AAA, where he often batted above .300. His minor league stats reflect a player who could perform well offensively and defensively, making him a valuable utility option.
Minor League Stats
-2046-2048 (Berkshire Hathaway - HS): Showed promise in high school, particularly in 2046 with a .311 average and a .480 slugging percentage.
-2048-2050 (Alamogordo - R): Faced challenges but showed improvement in 2050 with a .311 average and a .401 slugging percentage.
-2051 (Silver Springs - A & Santa Cruz - AA): Excelled with a .325 average in A and an impressive .419 in AA.
-2052 (Indianapolis - AAA): Continued to develop, batting .262 with 65 hits.
-2054 (Indianapolis - AAA & Saint Paul - AAA): Maintained a .256 average with 18 doubles.
-2055 (Saint Paul - AAA & Rockford - AAA): Had a strong season, batting .305 with 69 hits.
-2056 (Rockford - AAA): Batted .312 with 73 hits, demonstrating consistent performance.
-2057 (Rockford - AAA): Struggled slightly with a .254 average but continued to contribute.
-2059 (Duluth - AAA): Played 131 games, batting .285 with 108 hits and 22 doubles.
Overall Potential
Profile
Rich Moore's career reflects his versatility and adaptability, making him a valuable utility player capable of filling multiple roles on the field. Despite challenges at the major league level, his consistent minor league performance highlights his potential to be a reliable contributor. Moore's experience and ability to play various positions make him a valuable asset for any team looking for depth and flexibility.
Impact
I hemmed and hawed about rostering Moore. He was literally the last guy I was stuck on. Having two injury prone middle infielders means I need added depth. Moore is a handy guy to come up for a couple of weeks here and there. He'll make all the plays in the field and get a couple of hits. But the problem is that he is out of options. If I rostered him, I'd have to pass him through waivers before opening day. I'd rather lose a player in the Rule 5 draft than via waivers. Rule 5 picks may come back, waivers are gone for good. And I think he could come back. His .217/.248/.275 career batting line in the BBA is hard to look at all season.
Another thing to consider here is that Twin Cities took Darren Wearne from New Orleans. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that we see a Moore/Wearne trade before opening day to get rid of Rule 5 tags.
