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Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton was a Rule 5 selection by the Cubs in 2007, but immediately traded to the Reds as a part of the agreement. Now with the Rangers, he has put up pretty impressive numbers, posting a .292 career average with 61 home runs. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Just thought I'd pass along a nice link from our friends at Baseball America. Matt Eddy of BA discusses what qualifies a player for the Rule 5 draft and why certain players are brought up over others. Here's a rundown:

• Players signed at age 19 and older must have four years in the organization. This group consists mostly of college players drafted in ’06.

• Players signed at age 18 or younger must have five years in the organization. This pertains mostly to players signed internationally or drafted out of high school in ’05.  

 

Pirates prospect Jimmy Negrych could be taken in the early phases. A .304 career minor league hitter, the infielder could be an alright reserve infielder.