Rule 5 Draft Brings Pitching Prospect to the Dinosaurs

12/5/2007: Fargo, ND – Frank Helms was acquired in the recent Rule 5 Draft.  He will have to be kept on the major league roster for the rest of the season or be offered back to his previous team, the New Orleans Trendsetters.  According to the Dinosaurs front office, they liked Helms upside and his ability to strike out hitters; 120 Ks in AA last season.

It is unclear where Helms will be placed, either in the rotation or the bullpen.  The team's front office noted that Helms will likely receive a chance to compete with prospects Anastasio Juarez and Bryan Brown for the fifth spot in the Dinosaurs' rotation, but will also be looked at to fill the long relief role in the bullpen.  Making the jump from AA to the majors is rarely easy, and because of this a role in the bullpen may allow Helms more time to adjust and less pressure than a spot in the rotation.

— Steve Youngblood
Fargo Gazette