It's a low risk, high reward thing. Cincinnati has done pretty well recently in the Rule V draft. Josh Hamilton and Jared Burton were both Rule V picks. This guy is probably a hard thrower that hasn't found control or another pitch yet...that's my guess anyway. It's worth the 50,000 to take a chance on someone.

The Reds didn't pick Hamilton in the Rule 5 draft.

So what are the Braves options at pitcher if Burnett signs with the Yanks?

The Reds didn't pick Hamilton in the Rule 5 draft.

 

It was a prearranged trade

Of Peavy trade talks

 

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081211&content_id=3713272&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

True, which is very common in the Rule 5 draft.