As we close in on the 2011 MLB Draft, the name most commonly associated with the Washington Nationals is outfielder Bubba Starling. Most baseball experts believe the Nationals will pick Starling when the No. 6 pick comes, giving the team another strong outfielder.
Starling is certainly the most dynamic hitting talent in the draft. He's a five-tool center fielder from Kansas who also was recruited to play quarterback at Nebraska. His decision between baseball and football has been covered extensively, but it's going to be hard for him to turn down baseball if he is picked this high in the draft.
The Seattle Mariners, at No. 2, and hometown Kansas City Royals at No. 3 are possibilities for Starling, but those teams are scared that he may not sign and also desperately need pitching. The Nationals have lesser concerns about Starling signing, because they have proven in the past that they are willing to go above the rookie scale to keep their draft picks. Starling is also a Scott Boras client, and the Nationals already have a ton of those on their roster.
For more on Starling and the 2011 MLB Draft, visit Minor League Ball.