YankeesRedSox.com

Thanks to the Brian Bruney trade the Yankees have the first pick in the Rule 5 draft today. It gives them plenty of options, but there is an important catch, the player they select has to stay on the major league roster the entire season.  

That makes it impractical for the Yankees to pick a Class A or even AA player because what are the real chances they would stick?  One player to keep an eye on is Chad Tracy who might be worth a risk. Tracy hit .279/.333/.488 in AA last year and can play first, left and catch in a pinch.  It may be asking too much for him to make the jump to the majors, but it might be worth the risk.  Tracy would give Girardi some flexibility with his ability to catch in an emergency situation and at 24 he could still develop into a decent hitter. 

Otherwise, the Yankees might be better off trading the pick.  Plenty of bad teams could use it and that way they get real value for it.  One approach I hope they avoid is taking one of their own players.  The Yankees have several quality players that are exposed, but why not let another team take the risk of drafting them and keeping them in the majors all season long?  Remember, if the other team doesn't, they have to offer them back to the Yankees.