We're deep into spring training at this point, and it's becoming somewhat clearer how different rosters will stack up. Often some of the key roster decisions made during Spring Training pertain to Rule 5 draft picks, because those players must be returned to their original team if they're not on the 25-man roster or the disabled list all season long. This spring's no different, so let's check up on each of the Rule 5 picks and see whether they stand a chance of sticking all season long. Don't forget that teams often to try to work out trades with a pick's original team in order to retain the player even if they can't keep him on the roster all year along, too. And even though there's probably not a Dan Uggla or Johan Santana in this bunch, don't be surprised if there's an Evan Meek or two.
SS Josh Rodriguez, Pittsburgh: He's only 4-for-15 this spring, but he does have five walks. He seems highly likely to make Pittsburgh's roster as the primary back-up to Ronny Cedeno.
RHP Jose Flores, Seattle: His spring hasn't been great so far, with 3 ER in 3 IP. Obviously that doesn't mean much, but at this point he's a long-shot to make the Mariners' roster. Don't be surprised if he's returned to Cleveland.
LHP Joe Paterson, Arizona: He's been solid so far, with a 3.85 ERA and 8 strikeouts in 7 IP. He's got a solid shot of making the roster as the second lefty out of the bullpen.
RHP Adrian Rosario, Baltimore: He's only pitched 2 innings this spring, and he's walked 3 in those two innings. He probably doesn't stick unless the O's are willing to hide him in the 'pen for a while.
RHP Nathan Adcock, Kansas City: He's pitched 8 shutout innings this spring, but his 2/2 K/BB isn't good. He's still got a very solid chance of sticking on a weak Royals roster, though.
RHP Elvin Ramirez, Washington: He hasn't pitched this spring, and is likely to start the season on the DL. There's a decent chance that the Nats try to find room on their roster for the power reliever once he's healthy.
RHP Mason Tobin, Texas: The Cubs took Tobin in the draft and subsequently traded him to Texas, but he doesn't seem likely to stick with the Rangers. He probably gets returned to the Angels.
RHP Aneury Rodriguez, Houston: Rodriguez hasn't been great this spring, giving up 12 hits and 4 earned runs with more walks than strikeouts in 9 innings so far. He's likely to make the roster, but at this point it's probably going to be as a long reliever and not as the club's fifth starter.
RHP Pat Egan, Milwaukee: He's pitched four shutout innings, but was a long-shot to make Milwaukee's roster anyways. There's probably just not enough room on their pitching staff; Egan probably gets returned to Toronto.
2B/3B Brad Emaus, New York (NL): Emaus is probably the most well-known Rule 5 pick at this point given his presence in New York's second base competition, but he's not likely to get the job at this point. There's a solid chance that Emaus gets returned to Toronto, or a trade is worked out. (Author's Note: This was written before Luis Castillo's release. Obviously the odds that Emaus sticks in New York went up a good deal with this latest move.)
RHP George Kontos, San Diego: After a rough spring, he's already been returned to the Yankees.
LHP Scott Diamond, Minnesota: His ERA (1.50) is great this spring, but his K/BB isn't (2 K, 6 BB). It's looking like Dusty Hughes and Glen Perkins are going to beat him out for the lefty spots in Minnesota's bullpen. The Twins seem to like Diamond so they might work out a trade, but otherwise he's likely to be returned to Atlanta.
LHP Robert Fish, Kansas City: Fish was initially drafted by the Yankees, but the Royals claimed him off of outright waivers five days ago. He's had a rough spring, though, so at this point he's a long-shot.
LHP Cesar Cabral, Tampa Bay: Cabral was drafted by the Rays, then claimed by the Jays, then re-claimed back by Tampa. He's still not likely to make Tampa's roster, though, so you wonder if they're trying to work out a deal with Boston.
IF Michael Martinez, Philadelphia: He's batting .305 in 36 AB this spring, but he still hasn't walked either. Either way, he's pretty much a lock to make the club this spring given Chase Utley's injury.
RHP Brian Broderick, Washington: He's had a good spring, but he's still not likely to stick in D.C.
RHP Lance Pendleton, Houston: Pendleton's struggled this spring, and wasn't likely to make Houston's roster anyways. At this point, he's probably heading back to the Yankees.
RHP Pedro Beato, New York (NL): Beato's got velocity and has had a decent spring. Given New York's dearth of quality relief options, don't be surprised if he actually sticks out of Spring Training, though. He posted a 2.11 ERA in 60 innings of relief with Baltimore's Double-A affiliate last season after years of starting.
RHP Daniel Turpen, New York (AL): Turpen struggled a lot this spring, and has already been returned to Boston.