Chicago Cubs claim Hector Rondon in Rule 5– MLB News
The Winter Meetings concluded on Thursday, December 6, with all the ceremoniousness and splendour attached to it. Almost all the teams were expected to go for offseason buying/trade negotiations – so were the Chicago Cubs whose last move in Winter Meetings was to select Hector Rondon.
With the second pick overall, the Cubs had Rondon – previously Cleveland Indians’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2009, on Thursday. The move might have come as a surprise to many since there was no media buzz about it until the materialisation of this selection.
However, what is largely known is that the Cubs had followed him in Venezuela this winter after he had elbow UCS reconstruction surgery in August 2010. The reports on him were reportedly good as he is said to have made good progress.
"Coming up through the Cleveland organization, he was one of the top prospects," said Cubs' player development director Jason McLeod. "He's always been a prolific strike thrower with great stuff. Now he's missed the better part of three years with the elbow, and there's obviously risk involved."
A quick look at his record at Venezuelan League, where he is pitching for Leones del Caracas, shows the pitcher is faring well. Having had 2-1 record as a reliever in 19 games, posting 3.71 ERA, he could prove to be a good choice in relief.
Not unlike the Cubs' general manager Jed Hoyer who has had a positive view of the pitcher, Indians' vice president of player development Ross Atkins did not have any varying opinion either.
"He was a really good prospect with the Indians," Cubs' general manager Jed Hoyer said. "We've been watching him in Venezuela this winter, and he's been throwing really, really well. He's got a great arm, and we feel we can capitalize on that he's healthy now and throwing the ball well."
Said to be aggressive with his fastballs, Hector’s effectiveness as a reliever have won critical praise. His durability will certainly play a key role in adding strength to the Cubs' bullpen at a time when the rebuilding team really needs it.
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