Top 10 high school position players in 2011 MLB Draft

While there are some exciting high school position players available in the Major League Baseball draft, pitchers appear to monopolize most of the draft positions expected to go to prep players during the early rounds.

As many as 10 prep pitchers could go among the top 35 picks on June 6 when the first-year player selection commences. Meanwhile, only about four to five position players have a real shot at going that high.

Outfield could be the deepest position, led by the top high school position player in the draft, Gardner-Edgerton's Bubba Starling. Add in athletic Josh Bell from Texas, speedy Charlie Tilson from Illinois and smooth-hitting Brandon Nimmo from Wyoming and you have a talented quartet of outfielders among the Top 10 position prospects.

Top 10 pitching prospects for the MLB Draft

Here's a look at the top 10 position players in the 2011 MLB draft:



Bubba Starling, Gardner-Edgerton (Gardner, Kan.), OF - Most mock drafts have Starling going as the first high school position player and the second overall high school player in the draft (behind Owasso's Dylan Bundy), however he appears slotted in the No. 5 or 6 slot, which could mean a spot with the nearby Kansas City Royals. Starling did not have a big senior year due to injury and his team's early elimination from the postseason, but he still ranks as one of the top all-around athletes in the country. That could lead to a dilemma for teams drafting Starling, because he has committed to play football at Nebraska next year as a quarterback prospect. Nevertheless, Starling is a five-tool type player who can run, throw, hit for power and average.
Feature on Bubba Starling

Francisco Lindor, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.), SS - Mock drafts have the Florida native going around the 10th to 12th pick. One of the stars on the Team USA 18U team this summer, Lindor was one of the team leaders in doubles, total bases and hits. This past year he batted .528 with six home runs and 20 stolen bases. He has signed with Florida State.

Blake Swihart, Cleveland (Rio Rancho, N.M.), C - The top high school catcher in the draft, Swihart is pegged to go somewhere in the teens. Another player who starred for Team USA over the summer, Swihart has been the top player in New Mexico for the past two seasons. A catcher for the past two seasons, Swihart played first base as a sophomore. He has also committed to Texas and that could be an option.

Josh Bell, Dallas Jesuit, OF - A power hitter and a gifted fielder, Bell ranks just below Starling as the top high school outfield prospect in the draft. He's led Dallas Jesuit to the Region I semifinals by batting .584 with 50 RBIs, 13 home runs and six doubles this year. He also has 16 stolen bases. Figures to go near the end of the first round.

Javier Baez, Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.), SS - Ranks behind Lindor as the top middle infielder. Could go near the end of the first round or slip into the second. Committed to Jacksonville University. Could also end up at third base according to some draft reports. Helped lead Arlington Country Day to the National Association of Christian Athletes national championship.

Brandon Nimmo, East (Cheyenne, Wyo.), OF - A unique case is that the state of Wyoming doesn't have high school baseball. Thus Nimmo has made a name for himself with his performance in American Legion play and in summer all-star tournaments. He was the MVP of the Under Armour game last summer and is ranked ahead of Bell in some mock drafts as an outfielder. Could also be headed to play at Arkansas.



Travis Harrison, Tustin (Calif.), 3B - The No. 2 overall third baseman in the draft and the top high school player at that position. Batted .481 with 30 RBIs, 11 doubles and 13 home runs this season. Will most likely go somewhere in the supplemental rounds. Has committed to play at Southern California.

Nicky Delmonico, Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.), C/3B - Played catcher this year for Farragut but was a third baseman for the Admirals as a junior. His offensive numbers dipped a bit this year, perhaps due to the move behind the plate. However he is still batting .419 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs.
Feature on Delmonico and teammate Philip Pfeifer

Austin Hedges, JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), C - Ranks behind Swihart as the top prep catcher in the country. Has an outstanding arm and was named the nation's top defensive high school catcher last year. Could go in the supplemental round. Has committed to UCLA.

Charlie Tilson, New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.), OF - An athletic outfielder who is also quick on the basepaths, Tilson is likely to go near the end of the supplemental draft or early in the second round. Showed off his tremendous base-stealing abilities at the Area Code Games, stealing seven bases.