Message #777068

[imref]

Sheinin's report:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/2011-mlb-draft-nationals-pick-anthony-rendon-with-no-6-pick-in-surprise/2011/06/06/AGPt5dKH_story.html

“Our medical staff has cleared his health, and we felt that if that was the reason he fell to sixth, we’re satisfied in the [scouting] work we’ve done on him,” Rizzo said of the 6-foot, 190-pound right-handed hitter. “We got all the medical reports and films. We feel good about it.”

There will be other questions, as well: Do the Nationals have the stomach for a third consecutive deadline showdown with notorious super-agent Scott Boras, who represents Rendon, as well as Strasburg and Harper? (“We have a good relationship with the agent and a great relationship with the player and the family,” Rizzo said. “We’re optimistic as always that we’re going to get the guy signed.”)

And also: With Ryan Zimmerman presumably entrenched at third base at least through 2013, where will Rendon play? According to Rizzo, the Nationals have Rendon graded as a “Gold Glove-caliber” third baseman, but also someone with the athleticism to play elsewhere on the diamond.

“Right now, we feel third base is his best position,” Rizzo said. Though Rendon will begin his professional career at third (most likely with one of the Nationals’ Class A affiliates), Rizzo said the team would “delay” an ultimate decision on his position until he gets to the big leagues.

After a monster sophomore season in 2010, during which he hit .394 with 26 home runs, Rendon was the early favorite as the top pick of the 2011 draft. But a gruesome ankle injury last summer, when he suffered multiple fractures on a slide while playing for Team USA, and a strained shoulder two weeks into this collegiate season altered his draft prospects and affected his play on the field.

Unable to throw without pain, Rendon was limited mostly to DH, and he hit .323 with five homers this season. He did, however, lead the nation with 80 walks, resulting in a .526 on-base percentage.