Phillies Rule V Draft

By Jared Trexler

There could be more action in the trade market later today, but the Phillies made three selections in the Rule V Draft early this morning.

Jim Warden, RHP (Cleveland Indians)
The initial stat that jumps off the screen is his height (6'7"). The right-hander was solid at Double-A Akron last season (5-2 with a 2.90 ERA, 47 K and 29 BB).
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/W/Jim-Ed-Warden.shtml

Adam Donachie, C (Kansas City Royals)
A high draft pick who hasn't hit a lick. However, look below to get The Phanatic's philosophy behind the final two selections.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/D/Adam-Donachie.shtml

Ryan Budde, C (Anaheim Angels)
Has played at Triple-A Salt Lake City the last three seasons to little success at the plate. However, the selections of Donachie and Budde add catching depth in the minors, and may hint that management wants to include one of them on the major-league bench as a third catcher (though that's a major risk and minimizes pinch-hitting options). The Phillies want to use Chris Coste as a pinch-hitter without having to worry about injury, especially since he will be one of Charlie Manuel's first batters off the bench.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/B/Ryan-Budde.shtml