MLB Rule 5 Draft: Analysis and Bold Predictions for Top Prospects

Major League Baseball's annual December extravaganza known as the MLB Winter Meetings comes to a close today with many of the top free agents still on the board. In addition to that, the Rule 5 Draft also takes place today. 

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Where: Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas

When: Thursday, Dec. 8 

Rules: Teams select based on record in 2011—Houston has the first pick—no one has to make a selection. If a player is selected, he must remain on the 25-man roster all season and whoever makes the pick must pay the team losing the prospect $50,000. 

If a team decides that it doesn't want to keep a drafted player, he must be offered back to his previous club for $25,000.

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The Rule 5 Draft used to be a big deal because you would have a number of good prospects available to teams, but changes in the CBA have really watered down the process.

Gone are the days when you will see players like Dan Uggla, Johan Santana and Josh Hamilton available. Now, most of the players you will see taken are relief pitchers who have a chance to contribute something in the big leagues. 

Don't expect any of the players taken today to become All-Stars, but they can turn into more than just organizational players who are there to fill out a roster. 

Here are some of the more intriguing players available today and a prediction of where they might be headed. 

Caleb Brewer, RHP, 23

Brewer has come up in the Atlanta Braves organization. He pitched 2011 in High Class A as a starter and posted a 5.14 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 130.1 innings pitched. He has a power arm and should be converted to a relief role, where he can be more effective for a team. 

Prediction: Minnesota Twins

The Twins need depth in the bullpen and don't want to spend a lot of money. Brewer is a high-risk player because he still hasn't pitched above High Class A, but he can provide good value if he stays healthy.

Daniel Meadows, LHP, 24

At 6'6", 223 pounds, Meadows certainly has a prototypical pitcher body. He posted solid strikeout totals last season with 74 in 77.1 innings pitched. The body and makeup are there for him to be a solid reliever—he just has to find the right situation. 

Prediction: Chicago White Sox

The Sox are looking to rebuild, and there has been speculation that they will trade Matt Thornton, the big left-hander with a big fastball and wipeout breaking ball.

Meadows may not be that good, but he can develop into that kind of player. 

Ryan Flaherty, IF, 25

One of the older players in the Rule 5 Draft, Flaherty does present some good value, because he can play three of the four infield positions and had 19 home runs in 475 at-bats in 2011.

He did struggle in Triple-A Iowa after being moved up, but he can be a solid bench player for a National League team. 

Prediction: San Francisco Giants

The 2010 World Series Champions need all the help they can get on offense. Flaherty's upside is limited, but he did post a .384 on-base and .523 slugging percentage in Double-A Tennessee. 

Jordan Danks, CF, 25

Of all the players eligible for the Rule 5 Draft, Danks is the most likely to actually be selected. He is a true center fielder with good speed and defensive instincts. He is a solid offensive player, hitting .257/.344/.425 at Triple-A Charlotte in 2011. 

Prediction: Houston Astros

The Astros are a mess right now and need any talent they can find just to fill out a Major League roster in 2012.

Danks is not going to be a star, or even an average regular, but he is a better option in center field than Jordan Schafer. 

Rob Bryson, RP, 23

Bryson has improved dramatically over the last two years and could have made it to The Show this year if not for injuries. He has a good arsenal of pitches, including a plus fastball and good slider. He is one of the few relief pitchers that has a chance to stick in the big leagues this year.

Prediction: Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox need to add depth to their bullpen, especially after losing Jonathan Papelbon and possibly moving Daniel Bard to the rotation. Bryson has swing-and-miss stuff, as evidenced by his 80 strikeouts in 53.1 innings in 2010, which is critical in the American League East. 

Again, not all of these players will be taken. And if they are taken, it is unlikely that all of them will stick with their new clubs. But these are the players that have the combination of upside and value that teams like to take chances on in the Rule 5 Draft.