Dodgers Rule 5 Draft Review

The offseason draft has come and gone, with the Dodgers losing one player but adding two others.

The Rule 5 draft will occasionally yield a major league regular, but the odds are more in favor of landing a D.J. Houlton or Carlos Monasterios. Still, talent can be found in both the major and minor league phases. The Dodgers did not make a pick in the major league phase but drafted two minor leagues who spent time in Double A last year.

No More Silverio Linings

Coming into 2012, Fredo looked like a top prospect. He had a career year, compiling 76 extra base hits while OPS'ing .883 with Double A Chattanooga. He also appeared in the Futures Game, where he homered. However, what may have been a breakout campaign last season was postponed indefinitely due to a car accident in which he suffered a concussion and an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery.

That didn't stop the Miami Marlins from making him the 6th selection in this year's draft. The club must believe he's worth a 25 man roster spot, even if he's not completely healed by opening day. Then there's the issue of rust after missing an entire season.

Silverio was considered a 5 tool player before the injury and we'll see how he recovers. But the long layoff and a lack of on base ability throughout his career may lead to initial struggles at the big league level. I wouldn't be surprised if the Marlins returned him to the Dodgers.

Elevys Enters the Building

Fun fact: the Rule 5 draft has different phases. One for the major league teams, as well as other minor league phases. The Dodgers selected Elevys Gonzalez in the Triple A phase with their first selection.

Gonzalez, 23, spent the last five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, reaching Double A this past season. Between High A and Double A, he batted .206 with a .637 OPS. He's played all four infield positions, spending the most of his time at 3B.

Even with his down year, Elevys has hit .277 over his career. However, there isn't much else there. He walks enough but doesn't hit for much power. He also doesn't run much. Add to that the fact that he's only played in over 100 games in 5 seasons and I don't see a ton of value. Maybe another Blake DeWitt?

Nelo Has the Velo

With their second pick in the Triple A phase of the Rule 5 draft, the Dodgers selected RHP Hector Nelo. The 26 year old reliever was originally signed by the Rangers and spent the last two seasons with the Nationals.

His numbers show me he's a power arm with poor control. A career 8.7 K/9 and 5.4 BB/9 show promise and problems. If the Dodgers can harness his control, Nelo could turn into a dependable reliever.