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Clubs dig for diamonds: Rule 5 Draft preview
- Updated: December 4, 2016
Each year, the Winter Meetings conclude with the Rule 5 Draft, a bit of a footnote, but one that always produces big league talent.
Occasionally, it’s elite-level talent, like Johan Santana or Shane Victorino in recent years. More often than not, it’s steady contributors like Delino DeShields Jr. and Odubel Herrera from two years ago, or Matt Bowman and Joe Biagini from last year.
This year’s Draft takes place in National Harbor, Md., at 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, with MLB.com providing live streaming coverage. MLB.com and MLB Network will have wall-to-wall coverage of the 2016 Winter Meetings from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center outside Washington, D.C. Fans can also watch live streaming of all news conferences and manager availability on MLB.com
Because they finished with the worst record (59-103) in the big leagues last season, the Twins will have the chance to make the No. 1 overall pick. After the Twins, the next four selections go to the Reds, Padres, Rays and Braves. All teams are scouring the list of hundreds of eligible players, getting past reports and evaluations as well as heading out to watch those participating in winter league play.
• 10 intriguing names & Top 30 prospects available for the Rule 5 Draft
“Our mentality is we plan to participate,” Twins vice president of player personnel Mike Radcliff said. “Our situation, Major League wise, we’re diving in for sure. We’ve just begun the process looking at the names. We’ve narrowed it to a certain degree. Our objective is to go get somebody.
“You pick No. 1, it’s also an opportunity for others. Maybe someone will want the pick. We’ll deal with that as it approaches next week. We’re working hard toward a selection. That’s our goal at the moment.”
Players who first signed at age 18 had to be added to 40-man rosters within five seasons or they became eligible to be drafted by other organizations through the Rule 5 process. Players signed at 19 years or older have to be protected within four seasons. …
