The Cubs added C Welington Castillo, CF James Adduci, and RPs John Gaub, Blake Parker, and SP Rafael Dolis to the 40-man roster on Friday.
Castillo, Gaub and Parker were pretty much shoo-ins to be protected, but Adduci and Dolis were slightly more interesting moves.
Rafael Dolis was mediocre this season in Daytona's rotation and despite his 3.79 ERA he had poor peripherals, including less than ideal strikeout rates and flat out bad walk rates. Toss in that he did this is one of the most pitcher friendly environments in America and the stats aren't too kind to Dolis.
The scouting reports disagree, as Dolis is a rare pitcher who can dial his fastball up into the mid to upper 90's, even reportedly touching 100 in instructs.
Jim Callis of Baseball America said recently in a chat that if Dolis were left unprotected, he would go #1 in the Rule 5 draft, so apparently there is quite a bit of positive buzz around him right now. If what Callis said is accurate, then it would appear the Cubs had no choice but to keep the hard throwing 21-year-old righty.
Cubs protect 5 players from Rule 5 draft
Adduci is a guy I suggested should be protected in my post last week about the Rule 5 draft, as he could be a useful piece in the near future for a major league team.
If he remains a Cub, he'll be a 4th outfielder, as I doubt he would produce enough to placate the high demands of a fanbase expecting to compete for a division title every year.
I could however, see Adduci being used as a trade piece some time this season, as he would have more value to a small market team like the Marlins or A's who like to pick up cheap talent where they can. He's definitely an asset to the organization, and it's a good thing they decided to keep him around.
So who did the Cubs leave unprotected?
Catching prospect Steve Clevenger is now eligible for the draft. Though he struggled in Iowa in 2009, the 23-year-old has potential as a singles/walks backup catcher. I would doubt he will get selected, since it would be tough to go a full year with a guy who hit .265/.310/.327 for Iowa last season as your backup catcher.
Matt Camp was probably the next most notable name left off the roster. Camp is one of the more versatile players in the minor leagues, playing 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, and RF for Iowa last season. That alone could warrant him some consideration, but his weak bat will also likely keep him from being selected, as he had just a .669 OPS in AAA as a 25 year old. He has hit well in the Mexican League this fall though, for whatever that's worth.
If he remains a Cub, he'll be a 4th outfielder, as I doubt he would produce enough to placate the high demands of a fanbase expecting to compete for a division title every year.
I could however, see Adduci being used as a trade piece some time this season, as he would have more value to a small market team like the Marlins or A's who like to pick up cheap talent where they can. He's definitely an asset to the organization, and it's a good thing they decided to keep him around.
So who did the Cubs leave unprotected?
Catching prospect Steve Clevenger is now eligible for the draft. Though he struggled in Iowa in 2009, the 23-year-old has potential as a singles/walks backup catcher. I would doubt he will get selected, since it would be tough to go a full year with a guy who hit .265/.310/.327 for Iowa last season as your backup catcher.
Matt Camp was probably the next most notable name left off the roster. Camp is one of the more versatile players in the minor leagues, playing 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, and RF for Iowa last season. That alone could warrant him some consideration, but his weak bat will also likely keep him from being selected, as he had just a .669 OPS in AAA as a 25 year old. He has hit well in the Mexican League this fall though, for whatever that's worth.
No Comments
Leave a Comment?
What your comment will look like:
said: