Rule 5 or not to Rule 5

I am not a big fan of the Rule 5 method of adding to the organization. Sure Evan Meek is a great find, but let us not forget that the farm system was really thin at that time. It is much better now. Also we have Meek because they did not want him back. He did not stay up all year. Veal did make it, but he is not a big steal. Raynor didn't make it. All we did was waste money. Doumatrait made it, but washed out soon after.

Tim at Pirate Prospects has a nice rundown of the Rule 5 available players. I still have a hope that we will not try to take a pitcher. The Pirate bullpen should already be full. Resop, Meek, Hanrahan, and Ledezma are in. Karstens, Hart, and Ascino have the other spots even if Hart may not be able to take up his spot right away. Any Rule 5 player would not be able to stand aside for Hart when he got there. Daniel McCutchen also ought to have a real shot at making the bullpen. The starting 5 also ought to be full. Ohlendorf, Malholm, and McDonald are solid. The Pirates are making a big move for at least one, and probably 2 free agents are going to make it here. Karstens could still slide in one spot as could Charlie Morton (hopefully not). So I have large hope that no one will be taken.

Still, one possibility intrigues me. Brad Emaus. Emaus plays 2B and 3B. He hit .298 in AAA and had an .395 OBP with an .890 OPS. That is not a lot of power, but a pretty decent bat. One worth taking a chance on since the Pirates released both their back up Second basemen, and Third basemen. It should be easy to hide him as the starters are firmly in place in both those positions. He would also probably be a defensive upgrade at both slots. It also would probably keep Brad in a position where he would not be the expected pinch hitter. Although, he does have the benefit of being a righty, so you would have the contrast with Alvarez, if you wanted to make sure that Alvarez got his days of rest when a lefty took the mound.

If the Pirates have to take someone. I could live with Brad Emaus.