MLB Draft 2011 Prospects: 7 Sleepers from Round 1 of the Draft

With the first round of the MLB Draft commencing just after eleven on Monday night, several high-caliber talents were selected.

Some of these talents have very high ceilings and will join the minor leagues bearing major expectations on their shoulders.

However, others will come in overlooked and underrated, with shaky expectations and a lot to prove.

It's easy to ogle at the gaudy statistics of a Bubba Starling, or the incredible strikeout numbers of Trevor Bauer, but the real gems are the unexpected superstars.

While some first round talents may boast more talent than others, no first round player should be overlooked.

Here are seven sleepers selected in Monday night's first round:

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Jed Bradley, P, Milwaukee Brewers (15th Overall)

Jed Bradley may get overshadowed as the second best southpaw in the ACC, behind Virginia's Danny Hultzen, but Bradley is nothing to turn your nose at.

Bradley throws four pitches that figure to hold up at the major league level, and possesses a fastball with enough zip to strike 106 batters out for the Yellow Jackets in 2011.

With a 6'4'' frame, Bradley has a body that is ready for a larger workload, and should continue to develop as he progresses through the minor leagues.

Due to his current polish, and his ability to reach the minors at least semi-quickly, Bradley will be a nice asset for the Brewers eventually.

He could wind up being the perfect compliment to Zach Greinke and Yovani Gallardo at the top of the rotation for the "Brew Crew."

Matt Barnes, P, Boston Red Sox (19th Overall)

Matt Barnes may be considered a notch below the top arms in this years draft class, but it has allowed him to fall in the laps of a great organization.

The Red Sox managed to keep Barnes in the northeast, and hope the right hander can continue to develop from his successful career at the Unviversity of Connecticut.

With just a 1.68 ERA in 2011, Barnes established himself as a great power pitcher. His fastball can touch 96 mph, and when combined with his two breaking pitches, Barnes is a very formidable hurler on the mound.

Barnes still has room to fill out his lanky 6'4'' frame, and that should allow him to mature as he moves through the minor leagues.

Command of the strike zone is Barnes' biggest asset, and he should be able to help the Red Sox in a big way in the near future. He should wind up being a top of the rotation starter in Bean Town.

Kolten Wong, 2B, St.Louis Cardinals (22nd Overall)

Kolten Wong may be the safest and the least flashy of any of the first-round talents.

The bottom line is, with Wong, the Cardinals know what they are getting.

Wong is a great contact hitter, and although he does lack power, he projects to be a quality hitter at the next level.

Defensively, he has above average range, can handle the glove, and make the throws needed in order to play second base.

Wong is a scrappy player who will get the hits the Cardinals need. He has the potential to be a .280-.300 hitter, and be a doubles and singles machine.

He may not be the sexiest pick, but Wong will get the job done when it counts.

Taylor Guerreri, P, Tampa Bay Rays (24th Overall)

Behind Dylan Bundy, Taylor Guerreri is perhaps the best prep arm available in this year's draft.

However, Guerreri should not be in Bundy's shadow in any major way.

Guerreri has a big time fastball that can touch up to 97 mph, along with a curveball, changeup, and a cutter.

Guerreri's blend of pitches makes him an interesting prospect. A prep arm does not always have the maturity to throw with power and finesse, but Guerreri can do just that.

In the Rays already deep farm system, Guerreri should fit right in. He will most likely not arrive for another three years or so, but Guerreri could make a big splash when that day arrives.

Blake Swihart, C, Boston Red Sox (26th Overall)

Blake Swihart can flat out hit the baseball.

A solid hitter from both sides of the plate, Swihart hits for contact and also has the potential to hit for above average power at the major league level.

He is listed as a catcher, but some wonder if the wear and tear is worth it when you consider his great offensive potential.

Swihart does possess a solid arm in the field, but any position change would have to made considering his lack of speed.

Assuming the Red Sox can sign Swihart away from his University of Texas commitment, they could be onto something.

If Swihart manages to stay at catcher, he will eventually fill the Red Sox glaring weakness at the position.

If not, they have still found a very underrated hitter.

C.J. Cron, 1B, Los Angeles Angels (17th Overall)

C.J. Cron has the potential to be the big bat in the middle of the order for the Angels they so badly need.

He possesses the ability to hit to all fields, to hit for contact and power, and also has a good enough feel at the plate to draw walks and work the count.

He projects as a first baseman at the next level but he did also catch throughout his collegiate career.

Showcased by his .434 batting average and his 15 homeruns, there is no doubt that Cron can swing the bat extremely well.

His experience in the ranks of college baseball should only accelerate his progress through the Angels' farm system. Look for Cron to be battling with Mark Trumbo for playing time at first base before too long. He could also possibly move to designated hitter if that is what it takes to squeeze his bat into the lineup.

Mikie Mahtook, CF, Tampa Bay Rays (31st Overall)

Despite being overlooked in favor of other five-tool outfielders such as Bubba Starling and George Springer, Mikie Mahtook is a very good player in his own right.

Mahtook is a high energy player who makes up for his slight lack of range, instincts, and arm with his hustle and speed in the outfield.

He hits for above average contact and while he does not possess tremendous power, he should be able to hit well enough to compete. His ability to hit to all fields, and utilize his great bat speed is his best chance at becoming an impact bat in the major leagues.

The Rays need another impact player in their lineup, and taking the college outfielder may provide that player rather soon.

If Mahtook can continue to develop his tools, look for him to develop into a very exciting player.