Texas Rangers Eligible at Risk For Rule 5

First off, what is rule 5?  First off, the name rule 5 gets its name from its place in the Major League baseball rules.  The goal of the rule is to keep teams from stockpiling too many prospects in their minor league systems, that could be playing in the Major League.  What makes a players eligible for rule 5?

From Wikipedia:

"Selection eligibilityPlayers are eligible for selection in the Rule 5 draft who are not on their major league organization’s 40-man roster and:were 18 or younger on the June 5 preceding their signing and this is the fifth Rule 5 draft upcoming; orwere 19 or older on the June 5 preceding their signing and this is fourth Rule 5 draft upcoming."

Here are a few of the Rule 5 Eligible Texas Rangers

Brett Nicholas – First Baseman/Catcher

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Brett Nicholas against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Nicholas was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 6th round in 2010 in the MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of Missouri Columbia.  Nicholas just finished up the season playing with the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League.  Overall for the 2013 year, Nicholas has played well, in the Arizona Fall League, Nicholas appeared in the Fall star game and took home the MVP honor and in Frisco, he batted well with a .289.  Nicholas has played a catcher and recently at first base.  He’s known for power, but has issues sometimes at the plate.   Nicholas hasn’t seen action in the Majors yet, but he could if someone opts to take him on Rule 5.

Nick McBride – Right-handed pitcher

McBride was the number 42 top prospect in the Rangers farm system in 2011.  McBride was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2009 from Ragsdale HS in Jamestown, NC.   McBride also recently played in the Arizona Fall League.   McBride didn’t pitch that well in the fall league and was inconsistent at times.  He did manage to have a few good games and finished the season with a record of 1-0, and 6.43 ERA.

Perez, David – Right-handed pitcher

David Perez, who is currently 20, was signed in 2009 from the Dominican Republic.  The righted pitcher is ranked as the number 19th top prospect for the Texas Rangers by MLB.com.   Perez does have an impressive arm that can throw in the high 90s.  Perez might be further along in his career path, but had Tommy John surgery in the fall of 2012.   That shouldn’t hurt Perez though, he’s back pitching well, and should see more time in the minors next year as he continues to develop.   More than likely, Perez should get back to his usual form and become the top prospect as he is ranked.

Luis Sardinas – Shortstop (Updated – added to the 40 man roster 11/20/2013)

Jun 18, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Myrtle Beach Pelicans infielder Luis Sardinas (23) during the fifth inning of the California League vs Carolina League All Star Game at San Jose Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Luis Sardinas, the number 2 prospect for the Texas Rangers (ranked by MLB.com), is another top player that Jon Daniels has for the infield.  He’s very strong defensively and has speed to go along with it.   During his minor league career so far, he has stolen 74 of 96 bases (77% success rate).  The 20 year switch hitter has hit well during his time in the minors with a batting average of .292.  To put things in prospective, many say Sardinas in on par with Jurickson Profar, or might be better.

The Rule 5 draft is a month away, the deadline to shelter players for protection under the 40-man roster is Nov. 20.   Who should the Texas Rangers move to the 40-man roster?  Who do you think they should keep?