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2011 MLB Draft Fantasy Impact

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Since Fantasy leagues are firing up for those of you who have long term keeper leagues or deep dynasty's, here are some players to get familiar with.

Quick Impact

College

Hitter: Anthony Rendon, 3B, Nationals

Rendon has the most potential to make a quick impact in the majors. He really shouldn't need a lot of seasoning in the minors. It is just a matter of time how he makes it to the majors. Will he be the 3B after Ryan Zimmerman leaves the District or will he move to 2B to be one of the best hitting 2B in the majors. It is dependent on how the Nationals use him, but the bat is very near ready. Kolten Wong could sneak past him due to the age of the team and the lack of a solid talent at 2B.

Pitcher: Trevor Bauer, RHP, Diamondbacks

Bauer chewed up minor league hitters this season after dominating college hitters. No one has made consistent contact off of Bauer and his unique delivery and great mix of stuff. I have no doubt he can make an impact immediately in Arizona and post 10+ K/9 whether it is in the rotation or out of the pen. Sonny Gray and Danny Hultzen shouldn't be too far behind him.

High School

Hitter: Javier Baez, 3B, Cubs

This is a tough category because close to the majors for a high school player is 3 years, basically. That is where I see Baez. He can hit a ton and he is likely to hit enough to earn promotions as quickly as anyone. He looks like the heir apparent to fill the hole at 3B. The question is how quickly can Ian Stewart and Josh Vitters move out of the way, or how quickly can Baez' bat move them out of the way?

Pitcher: Dylan Bundy, RHP, Orioles

Bundy on the other hand is closer than 3 years from the majors. He may be up as early as September but more likely early 2013. He is polished and mature physically. He just needs to adapt his stuff to the pro level and he'll be ready. He will also be pushed since he signed a major league contract.

High Risk/High Reward

College

Hitter: George Springer, OF, Astros

George Springer has all the tools you would want out of a top draft choice. The difference is that he lacks the refinement a player three years out of high school would have. He is a raw hitter with potential to be a power hitting CF with some speed and good defense at an up the middle position. C.J. Cron also fits well here. Cron is high risk because he HAS to play 1B. He has nowhere else to go. He is high reward because he has the potential to be a 30-40 HR type of 1B from the right side and there aren't a lot of those guys out there.

Pitcher: Gerrit Cole, RHP, Pirates

Cole could be an ace with an upper 90's fastball and two 70+ graded secondary pitches. The risk is that he will never command them well enough to reach his potential and we will see him as a player that always is a disappointment. I think the Pirates have been linked to a guy kind of like that in the last few days.

High School

Hitter: Josh Bell, OF, Pirates

Bell could be the best hitter of this draft out of high school. He is a long way from a finished product and has a large uppercut that doesn't keep his bat in the zone for a long time. This creates huge power and leverage but also creates potential contact issues. Add the fact he is a switch hitter and this could cause problems.

Pitcher: Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Rays

Guerrieri has had some problems in the past. While I'm not sure what this "incident" was but it didn't get him extra points. While his arm is one of the best in the class, he will have to overcome the past and work his butt off to break through the crowded pile of arms in Tampa Bay. That being said, they know how to develop pitchers and he has a ton of talent.

High Level Sleepers:

Trevor Story, SS, Rockies

Story has all the tools to be a 5 tool shortstop or a well above average 3B if he outgrows the position.

Matt Dean, 3B, Blue Jays

A middle of the order bat with all the skills needed to be an above average 3B if it all clicks.

Travis Harrison, 3B/OF/1B, Twins

A personal favorite who could be the best power hitter in this draft if he figures it out.

Really Deep Sleepers(after 10th round):

Eric Arce, 1B, TOR

Arce can hit a ton. He is one to watch to see what he can do this season after a big pro debut.

Christian Montgomery, RHP, NYM

Montgomery has a 92-95 MPH fastball with a really good breaking ball and a nice changeup. His biggest flaw is his weight but it doesn't bother me as long it doesn't hurt his endurance.

Amir Garrett, LHP, CIN

Think David Price if he hits his ceiling. Great athlete just starting to focus on baseball after being a basketball star, may still be, not sure of his status at St. John's.

Roderick Shoulders, 1B, CHC

Huge power potential.

Burch Smith, P, SD

Smith can throw in the low to mid 90's and has a decent curveball. He doesn't have a lot of deception to his delivery. He is more hittable than he should be with the stuff he has.

Wallace Gonzalez, OF, HOU

Gonzalez has a really long swing but he generates a ton of leverage with it. He has a huge power ceiling and is a good athlete but it could open him up to K a ton.

Phillip Evans, SS, NYM

Evans has a nice short swing and produces good pop for his size. He has good enough skills to stay at SS in the short term but he may outgrow it in the long run though.

Dillon Maples, P, CHC

Maples has a low 90's fastball and a sharp slider. He needs some polish but he has a lot of potential.

Jack Lopez, SS, KC

Great glove, hope the bat comes to life.

William Davis, P, NYY

Power arm that needs a lot of work.

Zach Wilson, 3B, NYY

Wilson has a big bat but that's it. He is poor at 3B, mediocre at best in LF but has a good approach and knows how to hit.

Matty Ott, RHP, BOS

Ott has good stuff and a bulldog mentality as the closer for LSU. He could maybe get a shot as a starter but is a sure bet to at least be a solid reliever in the majors.

A few more..

Trey Martin OF CHC

Jakob Junis P KC

Austin Urban P CHC

Ty Washington SS CIN

Navery Moore P ATL

Bradley Marquez OF NYM

Deion Williams 3B WSH

Tyler Greene SS PHI

Shawon Dunston OF CHC

Jonathan Griffin 1B ARI

Jacob Williams 1B ARI

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