Update: The Reds passed on the MLB portion of the Rule 5 draft. The Reds did not lose anyone either.
Pujols reportedly signed with the Angels. Discuss.
The big thing that will happen today is the Rule 5 Draft, which will take place at 10am. I will do some quick hits on the guys I think there is even a remote chance that the Reds lose in the draft:
Josh Ravin – RHP
Has an above-average to plus fastball as a starter in the 93-95 range and touches 97. Also has a strong breaking ball. He struggles with his control at times, but his arm is one of the best the Reds have. He has some experience in AA, though the numbers aren’t good, he did show at times he had the ability to dominate guys at that level when he was on top of his game. I think he could be a guy you could easily hide in a bullpen to take a chance on a big arm.
Scott Carroll – RHP
He has a slightly above average sinking fastball working in the low 90’s. He generates a high rate of groundballs and has touched 95 in the past with his fastball. He has a solid repertoire of secondary pitches to work with as well. While he may not be the typical “sexy” pick because he can’t throw upper 90’s, he could be a pick who could help out in the bullpen or be a swingman better in the immediate than other guys.
Blaine Howell – LHP
The least experienced of the guys, only making it through Dayton at this point. He has good stuff, with a fastball that works 90-93 MPH along with a curveball and a change up. He put up strong numbers in Dayton, but he did have some iffy control. He is a long shot, but as a lefty with a good arm he may be a target for someone.
Travis Webb – LHP
Webb had a strong season out of the bullpen in 2011, though he did struggle in the rotation. His ERA out of the bullpen was an impressive 2.19 and he had 67 strikeouts in 49.3 innings with 22 walks. From a stuff perspective, he has average stuff with a fastball that works 89-90 MPH. As a lefty, his success in Carolina could get him taken by a team looking to grab a left handed reliever.
John Fay is reporting that the Reds have been working on a trade to move up in the draft to grab someone. That would be interesting, to say the least. I can’t figure out what position they would take. They left several pitchers off of their roster who have good arms. They have plenty of outfielders. Perhaps a utility infielder to take place of Janish?