It's almost impossible to find a reputable 2011 MLB mock draft that doesn't have the Seattle Mariners taking Anthony Rendon with the second pick on Monday night. While many worry about Rendon's injuries, and a shoulder that may require surgery, ultimately his skill is far too tantalizing to pass up. And when the Mariners are placed on the clock during the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft, it's all but expected that general manager Jack Zduriencik will pull the trigger and choose Rendon, despite a stellar workout from Francisco Lindor.
Lindor was in Seattle last week to run through drills for Mariners scouts, and by all accounts, he killed the workout. He did a lot to endear himself in the eyes of the Seattle brass, but with Rendon on the board, it's hard to see the Mariners deviating from the expected. Baseball America agreed in its final 2011 MLB mock draft, projecting Rendon to Seattle.
For the record, Baseball America has Lindor as the 11th pick, heading to the Houston Astros, and Starling as the ninth pick, heading to the Chicago Cubs. If Rendon is healthy and the Mariners are confident enough in his medical records, there's no reason not to take him. But that if is a big one, and you can be sure Seattle is dotting i's and crossing t's to make sure.
We'll be tracking the projections and handing out information about the day's events in our 2011 MLB Draft . StoryStream. For a local look at what the Mariners are planning, head over to SB Nation's Lookout Landing.