FanPost

Wesley Wright

Nice article on the Astros' Rule 5 draftee in the Houston Chronicle.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/5631371.html

If Wright continues what he is doing this spring, which is pitching very well in relief, then he will likely make the major league roster and become the Astros LH relief specialist.  That is pretty good for a guy who hasn't gotten much experience above AA.  It doesn't hurt his chances that the other LHP bullpen candidates are not exactly excelling this spring.

I find it interesting that Wade says he doesn't like the Rule 5 draft.  Because more single-A players are taken in the draft now, he thinks that it starts the clock too early on things like options and service time.  Personally, I like the Rule 5 draft.  Maybe the rules need to be tweaked to address Wade's concern, but overall I think it is a good thing to keep rich clubs, like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox, from stockpiling minor leaguers who have no chance of making their very deep ball clubs.  Also, it makes for some great stories when guys like Josh Hamilton and the Marlins' Uggla are able to come in immediately out of the Rule 5 draft and become all stars.