The Winter Meetings came to a close today with the Rule 5 Draft. Some interesting names were taken by new clubs. Here are a few:

The New York Yankees began the Rule 5 festivities by assuming the first pick as the Player To Be Named in their deal with Washington for right-handed pitcher Brian Bruney. It is likely Bruney would not have been offered a contract by New York, so at least they got something for him. A wise move by GM Brian Cashman. Also wise for Washington General Manager Mike Rizzo who picked up a pitcher he knew from his days with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bruney fits with the Nationals and outfielder Jamie Hoffman, the player selected by New York could very well fit with the Yankees. Hoffman came from the Dodgers and he was viewed by many as a player with some power, an ability to hit for average and some speed. He has several average tools, but none that set him apart on a crowded roster. Hoffman could fit if the Yankees don't retain their current outfield reserves or Johnny Damon. On the surface, it seems like a strange selection. But I have learned not to doubt Brian Cashman.

The Pirates added another guy to their roster that can run in John Raynor from the Marlins. Raynor is a guy that can become a 4th or 5th outfielder and give the club some on-base percentage because of his ability to get bases on balls. He can steal some bases and play a an average centerfield. His arm strength has always been suspect. He doesn't have enough pop to play a corner outfield position. The Marlins are loaded with outfielders and they just couldn't protect him on the 40 man roster. Raynor just adds more speed to the already speedy Bucs. Raynor is a former Player of The Year in the Marlins organization. Guys like Bryan Peterson and Mike Stanton are waiting in the wings for Florida. Not to mention Cameron Maybin. If Raynor makes the club he will be there to get on base and run.

Left-handed pitcher Ben Snyder landed with the Rangers after having been exposed to the draft by the Giants. Snyder is not a hard thrower, but he does have fairly good command of his pitches and he throws a change-up and a slider as well. He might be considered "marginal" by many, and the pitching rich Giants found him to be expendable. The Rangers have been stockpiling pitching and they can throw yet another lefty in the mix this coming spring. Snyder changes speeds and locations on his pitches very well, characteristics that are appealing to the Rangers pitching coaches.

Those selections were the most interesting to me. While the Rule 5 Draft is usually looked upon with much anticipation by the baseball world, some of the luster has been tarnished by the extra year of club control now in place prior to a player having to be protected on the 40 man roster. Few, if any Rule 5 selections make major impacts. Sure, one can always point to Dan Uggla or Johan Santana. But for those two, the baseball records are filled with the names of Rule 5 selections who became career minor leaguers. Only time will tell.

One little side bar to the Winter Meetings intrigued me. The Tigers have parted ways with Freddy Dolsi, a small but very hard throwing relief pitcher. When I saw Dolsi in spring training two seasons ago he was on the verge of breaking with the club. Time changes things. He's a power arm out there to be scooped up for the price of a minor league contract. Perhaps he has an injury I am unaware of. I look for him to get an invitation to spring training somewhere.

Boof Bonser didn't last long on the open market. After being released by the Twins he will be going to Boston. And Brandon Lyon is said to be on his way to pitch in Minute Maid Park for the Astros. The Astros needed a closer and now they may have two. Matt Lindstrom can certainly fill that role. Perhaps Lyon just sets him up. We'll see in spring training, but it's a situation to watch. Is this the Cubs all over again with Marmol and Gregg? By the way, you did hear Lou Piniella say that Marmol is his closer. Period! Think I've hear that before. And by the way, it doesn't look like anyone's knocking down Jim Hendry's door to trade for Milton Bradley. Now that's a sad situation.

Kansas City has released Mike Jacobs. The Mike Jacobs that tore things up for Florida for what? A month. Maybe two. The Marlins were able to move him to Kansas City where they waiting for him and waited for him and waited for him. But they saw him play first base. And they saw him swing and miss probably 1000 times too much. Someone will take a flyer and think they can turn him around. The DBacks need a first baseman. So do the Indians. So do the Mets (oops, been there, done that.)

Mike Lowell to Texas for Max Ramirez? It all makes sense. Lowell still has some game left in him and he can be great in the clubhouse with younger players. He will be like another coach and he'll get his share of at-bats. But by and large, he is a walking wounded. Max Ramirez could always hit. That never seemed to be a problem Can he stick with the Red Sox? Casey Kotchman has the answer to that. Like Brian Cashman, I really don't quarrel too often with moves made by Theo Epstein.

I hope someone trades for Juan Pierre because I really love to see him play the game. Maybe......Detroit. Stranger things have happened.

Look for the aftermath of the meetings to come trickling or pouring in within the coming days. Often things shake out following the conclusion of the Winter Meetings when the Brass return home and mull things over.