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Rule 5 Pick Danny Rosenbaum Returned

Another day, another Rule 5 pick returned.

Multiple online sources are reporting that Colorado will return Danny Rosenbaum following the signing of veteran RHP Jon Garland. Rosenbaum was 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP in six appearances for the Rockies this spring, the last of which came a week ago when the 25-year-old southpaw gave up a single and a walkoff home run in a 9-7 loss to the Giants.

He had been competing for the final bullpen spot — five of his six outings were in relief — in a group of relievers that included notables such as Chris Volstad and Manny Corpas.

Like Kobernus, he’s expected to be reassigned to minor-league camp, but it’s much less clear where he’ll begin the season. Last season was arguably his worst, beginning with 7-2, 1.94 in his first 13 starts, but finishing in a freefall of 1-8, 6.54 in his last 13 starts for an 8-10, 3.94 mark overall.

While often compared to former Nats farmhand Tommy Milone, a comp that seems largely based on size (both are shade taller than 6′ with a “sturdy carriage”) and dexterity and the soft-tosser perception. The reality is that Rosenbaum has always thrown harder than Milone (low-90s vs. high-80s), but with a little less control (2.5 vs. 1.5 BB/9).

Still, it’s a understandable linkage because both have shown the ability to get guys out without lot of flash while pitching deep into games (e.g. 171⅓ IP in 2011). Rosenbaum works off a heavy, sinking fastball, which has produced groundball rates of 50%-plus the past two seasons, including 56.7% last year, while mixing in a cutter as well as a changeup and a curve as his secondary pitches.

Like a lot of the AA and AAA pitchers, it’s difficult to predict where he’ll begin the season given the signings of multiple free agents. What’s probably more certain is that he’ll return to starting, given his durability and track record.

The watchlist and the LHPs page have been both been updated to reflect his return.

9 Commments

  1. Welcome back Danny. Keep the taste of the majors forward on your tongue, and don’t less this move discourage you. You were that close.

  2. Rivero out righted to AAA. As Byron Kerr stated the Syracuse AAA rosters is starting to take shape. Rivero, Walters, and Kobernus, and Marerro look to be the starting infield. With Brown, Perez, and Komatsu starting in the outfield.

    With the exception of Marerro that is a pretty athletic lineup not unlike what they have at the major league level. Three CF’s manning the outfield. Two big left-handed bats. Some decent pop at third, short and first base. And Solano is a pretty decent starting catcher at this point backed up by Maldonado.

    All that is left is the starting rotation now … and I’m guess Rosenbaum will be in it along with the other former franchise pitcher of the year Bradley Meyers. Plus Jeff Mandel after his break out season. Tanner Roarke will reprise his role. And converted reliever power pitcher Ryan Perry.

    Not sure what happens to Christian Garcia he starts on the DL again … have to wonder if moving him to a starting role will ever happen.

  3. Peric – Meyers will be starting in extended (i.e. purgatory) as part of his rehab. He will then continue rehab – sometime in May at either Hagerstown or Potomac. Hopefully from there he will move on to Syracuse

    1. That’s a shame because I’m not sure Ohlendorf is an answer to anything … better getting Erickson back me thinks.

      I guess he’ll be in Viera with Christian Garcia then. Both ostensibly SYR starters eventually?

      1. No, I’m pretty sure Ohlendorf throws harder and more accurately than any pitcher named Erickson that I’m aware of.

  4. Ready for POTNats season to start!
    I Krul should start @ POT since he would make 4 lefties on
    staff equal to Sens total.
    Curious to see how Danny Rose works into the SYR reps
    even after Young flies the Chief coup for green MLB role.
    April showers and cool weather sure force much bullpen work and extra start slots.
    Good luck to all the affiliates season starts.
    interesting infield depth @ SYR.
    who will fill the SS role @ Harrisburg? committee or Hague?
    Lozada and Hague until Martinson proves his leather?

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