"Good chance" for Rule 5 selection

Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com

For the first time this week, general manager Neal Huntington seemed pretty sure that the Pirates would go ahead and make a selection in the Rule 5 Draft.

“There is a good chance we take somebody,” he said.

Pittsburgh has the second overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft, which will begin at 9 am on Thursday.

As for who the Pirates might lose? Keep an eye on Jean Machi’s name, as it is confirmed that teams have at least discussed the possibility of taking the right-handed pitcher. Machi combined to go 3-4 with a 2.09 ERA in 41 appearances between Double-A and Triple-A last season.

The Pirates have two openings on their 40-man roster, so even if the team makes the Bobby Crosby signing official before the Rule 5 Draft, a roster spot will be open.

For those interested, MLB.com colleague Jonathan Mayo put out this story regarding the Rule 5 Draft and some names that might be the most intriguing. 

Follow me on Twitter: @LangoschMLB