The Cubs became the second straight team to select a high school shortstop (after the Indians’ selection of Francisco Lindor) by picking Javier Baez with the ninth overall selection in the 2011 MLB Draft. Baez isn’t as strong defensively as Lindor is and might not be a shortstop in a few years, but he has offensive potential. He’s a rather controversial prospect, and the Cubs haven’t always had the best record of player development, so if I were a Cubs fan, I might be a little bit concerned that they aren’t the best team to be making a controversial evaluation.
The San Diego Padres, meanwhile, selected junior college hitter Cory Spangenberg with the No. 10 overall pick. Spangenberg looks like he’ll hit, but doesn’t really have a defensive position right now. If he ends up in the outfield, he’ll have to hit a lot to be worthwhile as a prospect. He might be able to do that, however - he has an excellent approach at the plate.
1. Gerrit Cole, Pirates
2. Danny Hultzen, Mariners
3. Trevor Bauer, Diamondbacks
4. Dylan Bundy, Orioles
5. Bubba Starling, Royals
6. Anthony Rendon, Nationals
7. Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks
8. Francisco Lindor, Indians
9. Javier Baez, Cubs
10. Cory Spangenberg, Padres
For more on the Cubs, check out Bleed Cubbie Blue. SB Nation's Padres blog is Gaslamp Ball.