2011 Top 10 Shortstop Prospects

1. Manny Machado - Bats: R Throws: R - 6'3" 185 - BAL - 7.6.92. The third overall selection in the 2010 draft, Machado draws comparisons to Alex Rodriguez for body type and offensive potential but more accurately because, like Rodriguez, Machado was a Miami area prep superstar. Machado, a High School All American hit .639 with 27 2B and 12 HR in 2010 and gave up a scholarship to Florida International to sign with the Orioles for $5.25 MM at the deadline.

2. Grant Green - Bats: R Throws: R - 6'3" 180 - OAK - 9.27.87. The 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft out of USC, Green debuted at #5 on this list last year then proceeded to tear up the California League. While Green's season was no doubt a success, it left me with plenty of questions. His K% was a high but not alarming 21.4% but coupled with his below average 6.3 BB% we are left with a piss poor 0.32 BB/K%. You might be able to get away with that in the free swinging hitters paradise of the Cal League but it may lead to a regression next year in the Texas League. Defensively, Green committed a league high 37 errors.
 3. Jose Iglesias - Bats: R Throws: R - 5'11" 175 - BOS - 1.5.90. Iglesias could step into Fenway Park right now and wow spectators with his phenomenal glove work. The Cuban defector spent his first year in professional in the AA Eastern League where mangers voted him the league's best defensive shortstop. Like many Latin American prospects, Iglesias doesn't take enough walks. If he can be more patient in AAA Pawtucket he should finish 2011 in Boston.



8. Wilmer Flores - Bats: R Throws: R - 6'3" 175 - NYM - 8.6.91. Signed out of Venezuela in 2007, Flores has been on the prospect radar longer than most 19 year olds. Flores was always projected to have plus power but I was a doubter as he slugged just .332 in 2009. Now that he's posted a 36 2B, 84 RBI season I guess I'm back on board.