MLB Draft Watch: Shake up at No. 1?
March 21, 2011
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Posted by Daniel "Dee" Clark
As the collegiate baseball season continues to pick up steam, we at the Sombrero think it’s time to examine some recent events that will inevitably shake up the 2011 draft landscape. Prior to the start of the 2011 NCAA season, Anthony Rendon of Rice was widely regarded as the top talent in the 2011 Draft. With a double-plus hit tool grading and power to spare, Rendon profiles as a middle-of-the order hitter on any team in Major League Baseball. Because of his eye, which grades at least a 60, and ability to barrel up the baseball, Rendon will have a very short stint in the Minors before debuting with whatever club drafts him in June. His glove grades at plus, and there has never been any reason for concern regarding his ability to stay at third, his position at Rice.
What does cause reason for concern, however, is Rendon’s ankle, which he severely injured last summer with Team USA. This most recent injury is not the first injury to Rendon’s ankle, and he has spent some time at DH this season as a precautionary measure. Rendon must demonstrate that he can play third on a daily basis this season to justify the top overall ranking headed into the draft. Everything about his stats at Rice this season suggest that he is the same old Anthony at the dish, but this is not the year to select a player with injury concerns with the first overall selection. The talent is simply too deep for that.
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