OFs Joey Rickard, Tyler Goeddel selected in the Rule 5 Draft

When top-30 prospects are left open to the Rule 5 draft, often times other teams are bound to take them. That was the case as reports of Tyler Goeddel being selected came out to be true as he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Phillies in the Rule 5 draft. Joey Rickard was selected by Baltimore No. 15

Rickard was a surprise to not see on the 40-man roster, especially since he finished last season in Triple-A Durham. The Orioles would be to wise to keep the speedster on their major league roster. The team already has Adam Jones in center, so Rickard could vie for a starting corner outfield spot, especially if their new acquisition Mark Trumbo slots in at DH.

Goeddel spent 2015 in Double-A Montgomery. He had a .279/.350/.433 line and finished with 28 stolen bases and 12 home runs. Goeddel was named Montgomery's MVP by the Rays.

Rickard split 2015 between Class-A Advanced Charlotte, Double-A Montgomery, and Triple-A Durham. The 24-year old hit for a combined .321 batting average and stole 23 bases. The team named Rickard Baserunner of the Year throughout the system.

In the ongoing minor league phase of the draft, the Rays lost Maxx Tissenbaum to Miami but selected three pitchers from other teams: Adam Kolarek of the Orioles, Yoel Espinal of the Yankees and Fernando Baez of the Cardinals. Unlike the major league portion, these players have no requirement to stick on a particular roster and are extremely unlikely to be returned.

Tyler Goeddel

Credit - Jim Donten