Zach Kroenke selected in Rule 5 draft

As Jrsyeagle reported in the yesterday's comments, the Marlins selected Zach Kroenke in the Major League portion of the draft.

In the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday, Florida selected Zach Kroenke with its first pick (No. 12 overall). Left unprotected by the Yankees, the 24-year-old left-hander will have a chance to compete for an Opening Day job in Spring Training.

At the Rule 5 Draft, which wrapped up the Winter Meetings, the Marlins were active. They made four total picks that cost $86,000. In the Triple-A phase, Florida selected shortstop Ryan Klosterman from Toronto, along with right-handed pitchers Brett Harker and Ronald Hill. Both were in the Phillies' system.

The lone player the Marlins lost was lefty Matt Yourkin, taken by the Giants.

Kroenke will be trying out for the LOOGY bullpen slot.  Since he is a Rule 5 selection, he must stay on the 25-man roster for the entire year.  Should the Marlins decide that isn't the greatest of ideas, he must be offered back to the Yankees for $25,000.  Naturally, the Yankees don't have to take him back, and if they don't, the Marlins can send him to the minors.

Kroenke throws his fastball in the 87-89 mph range and possess a good change-up.  If he is deceptive with his pitches and can spot them, that should be good enough.  Young Mr. Kroenke will face some competition for the LOOGY slot.