Rule 5: Reliever Morlan in; Palmisano to Astros via Orioles; Minor League phase moves as well

[Mass Haas]

Why so many shortstops? We have JJ, Escobar, Brewer all seemingly desired at the position by brewer brass at some point. I'd have maybe looked for outfielders if we were looking at position guys, or at least only one shortstop.

The minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft is a way for clubs to take flyers on established organizational soldiers, and basically fill in gaps they believe they have within their own minor league chains. If you sort our Player Index by position, you'll see that there aren't many true shortstops in that AA-high A range. I think it was Jim Callis of Baseball America that did an analysis of all Minor League Phase Rule 5 selections for the past couple of decades, and there has not been a player who has gone on to have a big league career of any extended significance.

[fondybrewfan]

So according to Law, Morlan is basically Ruben Quevedo, fat and out of shape with declining velocity?

[jjfanec]

ESPN's Keith Law just mentioned in his online chat that Morlan's velocity has been down, he's out of shape, and pitching poorly in winter ball. He didn't seem surprised that Tampa Bay left him unprotected to the Rule 5 draft.

I do not get where he sees Morlan pitching poorly in winter ball. He was 2-0 with an ERA of 2.77, a WHIP of 1.38 (which is not great, but not poor), and was striking out a guy an inning. He looks to have good control only 3 walks in 13 innings. Now his velocity may be down but his numbers are definitely not terrible.

[mls4]

I am sad to see Baltimore get our catching Woah Solvvd just because that is one of the memories that makes this site so much fun.

[twobrewers]

I figured Cap'n Lou was going to get taken.

 

I am not sure how he plays defensively - but he certainly seemed like he could battle Rivera for the back-up spot in Spring Training.

 

It is just to0 easy to stash a back-up catcher on your roster when you are a bad team. (Baltimore) I'd rather have Cap'n Lou than some has been as a back-up. At least Lou still has some upside. Good move for Baltimore.

[Mass Haas]

The always informative (and timely) BrewCrewBall has saved us some google time this evening with their Rule 5 recap.

 

If / when we find pertinent newspaper articles and such, we'll keep you posted.

 

Patrick "Beef" Ryan was a long-time Link Report favorite, and we're happy he'll get a new lease on life with the Mariner organization. His family members were Brewerfan readers, and had been nothing but cordial in their appreciative communications with us over the years.

 

Hope to see you on a Safeco Field mound some time, Patrick!

[TheCrew07]

Dang I always liked Ryan.

[LouisEly]

Really surprised with the open 40-man spots that they exposed Palmisano. More disappointed that they lost Ryan - he of the 0.00 ERA until Briggs jinxed him. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[hawing]

I am sad to see Baltimore get our catching Woah Solvvd just because that is one of the memories that makes this site so much fun.

I know. He was a gonna be the future...hopefullly.

[Mass Haas]

Here's the June 21, 2007 Link Report thread which features newly-acquired Mark Holliman's seven-inning no-hitter against Huntsville (a game in which he also hit a two-run home run).

 

If you don't want to review all the posts, and my goodness, you don't realize how chock full a Link Report can be sometimes until you go back for something like this, here's the story from the Knoxville Times.

 

Holliman's reaction to the Minor League Phase Rule 5 pick:

Holliman said his initial reaction to being selected by Milwaukee was one of surprise.

 

"I didn't even know I was eligible (for the Rule 5)," he said.

 

He said he was excited, though, and that he was familiar with a few players in Milwaukee's farm system already.

[ccbrew]

I am sad to see Baltimore get our catching Woah Solvvd just because that is one of the memories that makes this site so much fun.

Oh great, both of my avatars have gone out of date in the span of a week..

[Brian the Automator]

Why so many shortstops? We have JJ, Escobar, Brewer all seemingly desired at the position by brewer brass at some point. I'd have maybe looked for outfielders if we were looking at position guys, or at least only one shortstop.

Shortstops make the best utility guys, because of their athleticism. With the team having to spend more money on their starters these days, my assumption is that they're trying to catch lightning in a bottle and find a quality bench guy.