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November 29, 2007

Duncan, Others, Exposed To Rule 5 Draft

From Pete Caldera -

Until now, Eric Duncan has lived the ultimate boyhood dream of any Yankees fan.

He was a first-round draft pick by his favorite team out of Seton Hall Prep, and a non-roster invitee to big league camp the past two springs – moving easily about a clubhouse full of pinstriped stars.

The next logical step was a place on the 40-man roster, but that's where the dream hit a bump.

Left unprotected by the Yankees, Duncan will be exposed to next week's Rule 5 draft, when he can be claimed by any of the other 29 clubs. But as the day approaches, Duncan has dealt with mixed feelings with a dose of realism.

"I don't want to leave the Yankees, they've been nothing but great for me," Duncan said. "But the Rule 5 draft was created to aid the player."

Steven Jackson and Brett Smith are reported to be exposed as well.

Chad Jennings thinks that someone might take a flier on Jackson.

Me? I think Duncan is not going. But, it would not shock me to see a team like the Pirates, Nationals or Marlins drop a coin on Brett Smith to give him a look-see this Spring. If it doesn't work out, they just return him. But, if they see something that they like, those teams could afford to carry him for a year (and not be killed by having him doing so-so in 2008).

Posted by Steve Lombardi at November 29, 2007 10:43 AM

Comments

I'd hate to see the Shelkman go, if hes not around to share the PEDs to help us win, who will be, oh wait, the giambino.

Posted by: minikraft [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 29, 2007 11:36 AM

I don't think there's any worry about Smith. He fell apart. Jackson wasn't very impressive, either. I can't imagine a team would take Eric Duncan and keep him on their roster for the year. He made strides with the bat, but he's still young, and I would be surprised if someone made that commitment.

Posted by: baileywalk [TypeKey Profile Page] at November 29, 2007 11:49 AM