Anthony Rendon Leads 2011 MLB Draft Class
Keith Law from espn.com believes that the 2011 draft is loaded with talent - similar to 2008 and 2009 - something that 2010 will lack, despite its top heavy nature with Bryce Harper. Even with a number of quality players who could compete to be the top pick, Law believes that Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon is already separating himself from the pack as the best player in the 2011 draft class.
With respect to his ability to hit, Law had the following observations: "[Rendon] has one of the best swings I've seen on a college hitter, with excellent hip rotation and strong, quick hands. He pairs it with good pitch recognition and a patience that's born both of a good eye and the fact that opposing pitchers don't want to pitch to him right now. He taps his front foot twice and gets it down a little late, but everything about his transfer and swing is quick and forceful enough that it doesn't seem to affect him against college pitching. His plate coverage is good, and he can shorten his swing to square up a ball up in the zone."
Anthony Rendon is the early favorite for "one-one" status in 2011
Currently, Rendon is a third baseman with an above-average arm and "good reads." There's speculation that Rendon might physically develop too much to play third base professionally and would have to move to first base, but Law isn't worried about that right now.
























