Nevertheless, let’s take a look at some names that Dennis mentioned in his email and some others that I have seen that might be of interest to the Fish, who draft 14th this season. Remember the rules of the Rule 5 draft:

If chosen in the Rule 5 draft, a player must be kept on the selecting team’s 25-man major league roster for the entire season after the draft—he may not be optioned or designated to the minors. The selecting team may, at any time, waive the Rule 5 draftee. If a Rule 5 draftee clears waivers by not signing with a new MLB team, he must be offered back to the original team, effectively canceling the Rule 5 draft choice. Once a Rule 5 draftee spends an entire season on his new team’s 25-man roster, his status reverts to normal and he may be optioned or designated for assignment.

OK, let’s examine some names.

Jeremy Horst, LHP

Horst is a name from the Cincinnati Reds organization who has been mulling around for four years. After spending some time as a starter in 2008 and 2009, the lefty Horst returned to the bullpen in 2010 and put up some excellent numbers. In 72 innings, 43 of them in Double-A, Horst struck out 75 batters (24.8%) while walking just 18 (5.9%). While his time as a starter was not terrible, it seems like his velocity and average-at-best stuff plays better in the bullpen. As a potential LOOGY, the Marlins could certainly do worse, especially if Horst continues to display the solid control he showed this season. I’d label him someone to watch for sure.

(more…)