MLB Mock Draft 2011: Washington Nationals and Daniel Norris a Great Fit?

The Washington Nationals have been at the top of the draft heap for the last season, and there was absolutely no mystery at all surrounding who the Nats would take with the top pick.

Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper were no-brainers for the Nationals in '09 and '10, by far the elite players in their draft class. Harper is tearing up Single-A ball in his first professional season, hitting .331 with 11 HR and 36 RBI.

Strasburg threw a bullpen session last week, the first step in his return from Tommy John surgery. While the Nats are encouraged with Strasburg's progress, it is likely he will miss the rest of this season, with the Nationals preferring to err on the side of caution.

This season, the draft features a plethora of great players, and no distinct player has risen to the top of the charts. Washington, with the sixth pick, will still have the opportunity to draft an impact player, and high school left-hander Daniel Norris has a chance to be that player.

Norris just finished his high school career last week, with his team (Science Hill, Johnson City, TN) eliminated in sectional playoffs. Norris finished his prep career with a 33-3 record overall. Norris has been invited to play baseball for the Clemson Tigers, both as a pitcher and center fielder, and he is strongly considering the offer.

However, Johnson knows he has more of a shot to make the majors as a pitcher, so he will certainly have a lot to think about once he finds out where he lands in the first round.

As the highest-rated high school left-hander in the draft, Norris could be a fit with the Nationals, who have worked diligently to build their team from within. Norris will be given time to develop his mid-90s fastball, devastating 12-to-6 curve and changeup, but the Nats also aren't shy about promoting players quickly if they exceed expectations at each level.

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