Rule 5 Draft: A's add three minor league players — here's what it means

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LAS VEGAS - While the biggest news of the Rule 5 Draft was the A's losing former first-round pick Richie Martin to the Orioles, Oakland did add three players in the Triple-A phase of the draft.

The A's selected second baseman Corban Joseph from the Orioles, outfielder Mark Payton from the Yankees, and first baseman Anthony Miller from the Indians.

Joseph, 30, played 14 games in the majors last season, going 4-for-18 with a double. He spent the majority of the year in Double-A, slashing .312/.381/.497 with 17 home runs and 68 RBI.

Joseph has had a solid minor league career, batting .285 over the course of 11 seasons. At 30 years old, it's doubtful he takes the next step to become a bona fide big leaguer, but he does provide depth at middle infield, which the A's can certainly use.

Payton, 27, spent last season in Triple-A, slashing .259/.368/.401 with six homers and 25 RBI in 62 games. He can play all three outfield positions.

In five career minor league seasons, Payton has hit .274 with a .354 on-base percentage. While the A's outfield is crowded, Payton adds to their depth in Triple-A. And don't forget, Nick Martini was 27 years old last year when he had his breakout season.

Miller, 24, played in High-A last season, slashing .264/.363/.432 with eight home runs and 30 RBI in 74 games. He is a career .228 hitter in four minor league seasons.

Miller seems unlikely to stick in the A's organization, though he is still just 24 and has time to put things together. Oakland could benefit from first base depth in the minors, as none of their top 30 prospects play the position.

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