Yesterday the Chicago Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Michael Parisi from the St. Louis Cardinals in the Rule 5 draft.
Minor League pitching coordinator Mark Riggins and Cubs scout Mark Servais both recommended Parisi, 26, who is 40-39 with a 4.27 ERA in 115 career Minor League starts. He was originally the Cardinals’ ninth-round pick in the 2004 Draft.
“We just felt he fit in the mix going into camp,” Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Thursday. “He’s capable of starting, capable of pitching in the middle of the game, giving you some innings.” cubs.com.
Sounds like a great pick – a guy who will get a shot to make the rotation, or possibly the pen, but who will not be “stashed” in an attempt to keep him beyond next year if he’s not able to help next year.
For their part, the Cubs did not lose anyone in the Rule 5 draft, which was something of a surprise. Finally, some good news – even if it’s totally minor. They were no doubt helped by a 40-man roster that had plenty of space at the beginning of the offseason, which allowed the Cubs to add five youngsters, likely to be selected, about a month ago.