With the first pick in today's Rule 5 draft, the Astros selected 27-year old RHP Josh Fields, from the Red Sox.
Fields was the 20th overall pick by the Mariners in the 2008 draft. He was part of the three-team trade in 2011 that sent Erik Bedard to the Red Sox.
He spent time between Double-A and Triple-A in 2012. In Double-A, he went 3-3 in 32 games (all in relief), throwing 44.2IP, allowing 30H/13ER, with 59K:16BB. For Triple-A Pawtucket, Fields made ten appearances, throwing 13.2IP, allowing 8H/0ER, 19K:2BB, good enough for a 0.73 WHIP.
He throws a 93-95mph fastball that occasionally hits 96mph. Here's a nice little write-up from the Woonsocket Call, where he says:
That's been a dream of mine, to close in the big leagues.
Well, hey, he just might get that chance.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
