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Two Sox prospects taken in Rule 5 draft

Print | Comments () Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff December 10, 2009 11:14 AM

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The Red Sox lost two minor-league players in the Rule 5 draft this morning.

The Astros selected 3B Jorge Jimenez with the No. 8 selection and immediately traded him to Florida as the player to be named later for reliever Matt Lindstrom. Jimenez, 25, has spent the better part of the last two seasons with Class AA Portland and does not project as a significant contributor in the major leagues.

The Rays selected 22-year-old left-hander Armando Zerpa with the No. 15 pick then traded him to the Dodgers. Zerpa pitched well for low Class A Greenville last season (1.20 ERA in 22 appearances) before getting knocked around a bit at high Class A Salem (4.85 ERA in 16 games). Zerpa struck out 78 in 74.2 innings last season and allowed 45 hits, so he has ability.

The Red Sox receive $50,000 for each player. If they don't stick on the 25-man roster, they must be offered back for $25,000.