2011 MLB Draft Results: 5 Biggest Surprises from the 2011 MLB Draft

The MLB draft lacks the fanfare, hoopla and attention of its counterparts in the NFL and NBA.

A wasted first-round pick in the NFL can set a franchise back years.

A missed lottery pick in the NBA could mean the difference between the playoffs and another lottery pick.

The MLB draft lacks that drama. In most cases, a first-round pick won’t contribute for half a decade. In some cases he won't even sign with the team that drafts him.

That doesn’t mean the MLB draft isn’t important. It’s a way for small-market teams that aren’t a target of big-name free agents to remain competitive.

Finding hidden studs is easier than in the other sports, and if a team is willing to pay, it can usually get a blue-chip prospect that less aggressive organizations will shy away from.

The MLB draft also has its share of surprises. 

The 2011 draft is no different than any other year, starting with these five picks.

Anthony Rendon: Washington Nationals

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SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 07: A detailed view of a Washington National baseball during the MLB First Year Player Draft on June 7, 2010 held in Studio 42 at the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Due to injuries the seemingly consensus top pick before the season fell all the way to the Nationals at No. 6.

While injuries will be a concern for Anthony Rendon, the Nationals add another top-level prospect to the talent base that they've been stockpiling.

Rendon's name is added to the list of other former Nationals top picks—including Ryan Zimmerman, Drew Storen, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper—and it's hard to imagine that the Nationals won't be real good before too long.

It's surprising that the offense-hungry Mariners passed on Rendon at No. 2, but the Mariners' loss is the Nationals' gain.

Cory Spangenberg: San Diego Padres

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 10: San Diego Padres fans hold up a banner during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park on June 10, 2011 in San Diego, California. The Nationals won 2-1. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Ima

The question is where will Cory Spangenberg play for the San Diego Padres?

An average arm and questionable power made Spangenberg a surprising early pick by the Padres, as perhaps they were hoping Rendon would drop to them.

Spangenberg could end up being an average second baseman, as he may lack the arm to be an everyday third baseman. A worst-case scenario would see him as a utility man for San Diego.

While second base appears to be a need—Alberto Gonzalez doesn't scare anyone—Drew Cumberland has been steadily moving his way up the system and might be the second baseman of the future, meaning Spangenberg would move to the outfield.

Kolten Wong from Hawaii would have been a safer pick for a second baseman.

Chris Reed: Los Angeles Dodgers

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SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 07: Team representative Tommy Lasorda and Ralph Avila both of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on during the MLB First Year Player Draft on June 7, 2010 held in Studio 42 at the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/G

While it appeared that C.J. Cron was on the Dodgers' radar at No. 16—he went to the Angels with the next pick—the Dodgers went with the Stanford product.

The messy ownership issue—and cheap expected payday for the unheralded Reed—appears to be a reason for this surprise pick.

Reed was expected to go late first round at the earliest, but he has a live arm and may help the Dodgers out down the line. However, this pick didn't impress anyone but the Dodgers accountant.

Tyler Anderson: Colorado Rockies

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DENVER, CO - MAY 12: The the tarp covers the infield as the rain falls causing a delay in the start of the game between the New York Mets and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 12, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Rockies were thought to be targeting Kolten Wong but instead went with Tyler Anderson out of Oregon.

Anderson may end up being a middle-of-the-rotation-type starter and has average stuff, but his name could have been turned in due to the struggles of their top prospect, lefty Tyler Matzek.

The Rockies need some offense to help support Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, and they might have missed an opportunity with the No. 20 pick in the draft.

While Anderson wasn't a terrible pick—he was projected to be a late first to early second-round pick—he was a little questionable with some hitters still on the board.

Joe Panik: San Francisco Giants

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 25: A general view of the painted logo of the World Champion San Francisco Giants behind home plate before a game played between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Scottsdale Stadium on February 25, 2011 in

The Giants opted for Joe Panik over Levi Michael—who went next to the Twins—with the No. 29 pick.

Michael was thought to be the top college shortstop available, but not in the eyes of the Giants. 

Judging by the fact that the Giants immediately signed Panik, the price tag might be the bigger reason for going with Panik over Michael.

Panik was projected as a third-round pick, but the Giants took him much earlier.

Top prospect Brandon Crawford is scuffling early in his Giants career, so picking a shortstop here might be an insurance pick.