2011 MLB Draft Tracker: Rays Nab LSU’s Mikie Mahtook

In a college season relatively starved for offense, due to the new rules governing the bats, Mahtook put up big numbers, including a .383 batting average, 14 homers and 56 RBI. He led the Southeastern Conference in slugging percentage, walks, and steals.

Wait, what? Slugging percentage and steals? Yeah. He also reached base in all 56 games in which he played this season. A legacy at LSU, Mahtook’s late father and his uncle both played football for the Tigers. Mahtook does strike out some, and there’s some question about his ability to stick in center field. Reports on his athleticism are mixed; some view him as a guy who is just a slightly above average athlete who might slow down a lot as he ages, while others believe his athleticism is underrated. Everyone agrees he’s made huge progress polishing his game during his LSU career.