Baseball America is known for its extensive draft coverage, and they recently came out with their first official mock draft (subscription required) for the 2011 MLB Draft. At No. 20, the Colorado Rockies select North Carolina Tar Heels shortstop Levi Michael with the idea that Michael would be converted to second base. As a freshman, Michael started 65 games at second base (committing 13 errors, for what it's worth), so he does have experience at the position.
As a junior, Michael's hitting .327/.478/.497 with three triples, four home runs and 41 RBI. He has 41 walks to 28 strikeouts and has been hit by a pitch 11 times. He's also able to take advantage on the base paths, stealing 14 on 15 attempts. He stole 20 in 2010.
There's also a suggestion that the Rockies could look at Utah's C.J. Cron. A future first baseman, 6-foot-4, 230-pound masher has smacked the ball around this spring for a .448/.520/.855 slash line with 23 doubles and 14 home runs. He goes a few picks later to the Nationals. He would likely be ready for the majors in a couple of years, right when Todd Helton's contract ends.
If the Rockies wanted to be adventurous and show that they aren't afraid of drafting another young high school pitcher in the first round (Tyler Matzek's troubles pushed to the side, that is), they could go with Josh Bell, a talented prep outfielder who goes one pick later at No. 21 to the Blue Jays.
But with several weeks to go, there are certainly players who will drop and offer the Rockies ever more intriguing possibilities.
Follow this stream for more on the 2011 MLB Draft.