Eastern Michigan Athletics
Former EMU Outfielder Ryan Goleski Picked First Overall in the 2006 MLB Rule 5 Draft
12/15/2006 5:07:33 PM | Baseball
YPSILANTI, Mich. — Former EMU All-American outfielder, Ryan Goleski, was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as the first pick in the 2006 Major League Baseball Rule 5 Draft. Following the selection, Goleski was acquired by the Oakland Athletics for cash.
Goleski, who led the Cleveland Indians minor league systems with 27 home runs and 106 RBI in 2006, hit a combined .306 between Akron and Kingston.
Athletics assistant general manager David Foust said of Goleski, “Our scouts have liked him from as far back as college. It’s unlikely that Jay Payton will be coming back, so [Goleski] could make the club as the fourth of fifth outfielder. He’s a young guy with power.”
Following the Rule 5 Draft events, MLB.com interviewed Goleski. When asked about his reaction to the news, Goleski said, “I am totally blown away. It is something you have wished for your whole life and you are starting to see the effects of working hard for so long. This is one of the best days of my life.”
According to BaseballAmerica.com, major league teams must protect players on their 40 man rosters within three or four years of their original signing. Players then left unprotected are available to other teams as Rule 5 draft picks. Each Rule 5 draft pick must be kept in the major leagues the entire following season or be offered back to his former team for half of the $50,000 selection price.
Volleyball Highlights vs. Valparaiso
Saturday, September 06
Volleyball Highlights vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
Friday, September 05
Script Eastern Volleyball Jerseys Reveal
Thursday, September 04
Cinematic Highlights Soccer vs. Robert Morris 8-31-25
Wednesday, September 03