2011 Draft

Every year the draft pumps out young, talented players expected to turn into future All-Stars. This year, players like Jason Heyward, Aroldis Chapman and Stephen Strasburg were obvious talents to lead their teams for the next decade. They are studs you hear or read about in nearly every corner of the baseball world. However, in MUD, it's often what happens after that first round that can be the difference since teams turnover players much quicker than MLB. I'd like to take a look at a few players I think can be later round impact players.

First, a look back at some of the 2010 'steals.'


Tyler Colvin (8.13) - Colvin was a 2006 1st round pick of the Cubs who collected just 3 hits in 17 At-bats in 2009. Given a chance out of spring in '10, Colvin produced 20 HRs, 56 RBI and a .500 SLG before his season was ended with an impaling. He outproduced Nolan Reimold (2.10) Julio Borbon (2.16) Michael Brantley (2.20) Chris Carter (3.20) and several others and appears to have as much upside as any of these guys.

Andres Torres (6.06) - I have to go with my guy Andres. Torres was a 4th round pick by the Tigers way back in '98 and had never done much until a solid back-up OF role with the Giants in '09. His .876 OPS and speed made him a nice PH/5th OFer option for the Stars. Then given a chance to start on the eventual World Series Giants team, he put up an .823 OPS, 26 steals and sparkling defense in full-time duty.

2011 potential 'steals.'

Juan Miranda (10.20) - John already pointed out Mr. Irrelevant, but Miranda could be the steal of the draft. If he can win regular at-bats, he has the bat to produce a similar season to the one Colvin put up in 2010.

Jay Gibbons (10.02) - Gibbons has enjoyed plenty of success in MLB, but was playing in independent ball before last year. He's penciled in for regular at-bats on the Dodgers and if he can find that late form Torres found, he could post plenty of HRs and a nice OBP.

Tyson Ross (8.15) - A 2nd round pick by the A's in '08, Ross moved quickly through the Oakland system and made the team out of spring training. He pitched well before succumbing to some arm troubles. If he can stay injury free, he could be a very solid reliever this year and a potential solid starter in the future. Considering he's just 23, he has plenty of time to round into shape.

There are certainly several more guys, but these are the guys I think can be low risk, high reward players.