The Rule 5 Draft can be a fascinating, if imperfect, process, and you only need to look at last year’s edition to see why.

On one hand, the White Sox selected Shane Smith from the Brewers and watched him blossom into an All-Star before finishing with a 3.81 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 146 1/3 innings. Left off the 40-man by Milwaukee, he earned his first Major League look in Chicago and made the most of it, becoming just the kind of player the Rule 5 Draft was meant to benefit.

Winter Meetings prospect coverage:

On the other hand, Smith is one of only three of last year’s 15 picks still with his new organization. Marlins catcher Liam Hicks (formerly of the Tigers) was the only other player to stick in The Show all season long. (Right-hander Angel Bastardo remains with the Blue Jays beca

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