The Rule 5 Draft passes quietly for the White Sox

The Rule 5 Draft signifies the end of the Winter Meetings, and, today, the White Sox didn't make a selection in the major league portion of the draft. In the minor league portion of the draft, the Sox selected RHP Manny Martinez. Along with that selection, the White Sox lost RHP Blake Smith in the major league portion of the draft.

Smith, a converted outfielder, joined the Sox last season in a trade which sent Eric Surkamp to the Dodgers. He pitched between Birmingham and Charlotte and did well in Charlotte, finishing the season with a 2.29 FIP with a 12.60 K/9, a 4.50 BB/9, and a surprising (for Charlotte) 0.30 HR/9. While not part of any prospect lists, pitching well in AAA can get you a look in the majors somewhere and the Padres are up for that challenge.

Manny (Manaure) Martinez hasn't pitched above low-A ball. Last season at the Phillies Lakewood team in the SAL, Martinez pitched in 31 games. Over 43 innings, he walked 19 and struck out 31. He had a 2.93 ERA but a 4.39 FIP. Since that team's in the SAL, the Sox have certainly seen him with some regularity and should know what they're getting, but since he's an A-ball reliever, there's not much to be excited about.