The Milwaukee Brewers have added and lost a pitcher in the Rule 5 Draft. Adding left-handed Pitcher Caleb Smith, and losing right-handed pitcher Miguel Diaz.
Caleb Smith appears to be an “under the radar” prospect. I say this because I can’t seem to find him on any prospect lists. In-fact, I am having a hard time even finding a current scouting report. From what I can gather, Smith is a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher. He spent last year in AA. Smith appeared in 63.2 innings with 7 starts and 3 saves. He posted a 3.96 ERA and a 3.15 FIP, he also posted an impressive 9.90 K/9.
Never mind! Caleb Smith had been traded to the Cubs for a player to be named later, or cash. The search for additional bullpen help continues.
The Twins selected Miguel Diaz from the crew with the first overall selection. According to MLB.com, he was the Brewers #21 prospect. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher spent last year at low A Wisconsin. He pitched admirably, with a 3.71 ERA, and a 3.59 FIP. Diaz is more about projection though. He features a 65 grade fastball, and a developing slider that could be solid if he can control it.
As a Rule 5 selection Diaz needs to stay on the big league club or be returned to the Brewers. The Twins have just traded him to the Padres, who play in a cavernous ballpark. It is always a difficult task for anyone to jump from the Midwest league to the Majors. Petco Park will certainly help.
Alas, the Brewers had a 40 man roster crunch due to all of the talent they have stockpiled. Leaving Miguel Diaz off the 40 man roster was a calculated risk. I just hope this does not come back to bite them.
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