Nationals Select Tony Renda In Second Round

June 11, 2011; Santa Clara, CA, USA; California Golden Bears designated hitter Tony Renda (14) at bat during the fifth inning of game one of the super regional of the 2011 NCAA baseball tournament against the Dallas Baptist Patriots at the Stephen Schott Stadium. The Bears defeated the Patriots 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

I said Renda, not Rendon.

After drafting prep right-hander Lucas Giolito in the first round on Monday night, the Nationals selected Cal second baseman Tony Renda today in the second round with the 80th-overall choice.

With a solid group of pitching and outfield prospects, it was good to see Mike Rizzo and company address the infield.

It’s easy to compare Renda to current Nationals second baseman/outfielder/everything else Steve Lombardozzi, as both have small frames and put the ball in play. Though Lombardozzi is a better player defensively, Renda has the range and arm strength to develop into a reliable defensive option.

On Twitter, Nationals Scouting Director Kris Kline described Renda as “the fastest bat in the draft.” A .342 hitter this season at Cal, Renda certainly backs up that compliment with his production. Renda also contributed 5 home runs and 16 stolen-bases as well as a .436-on-base-percentage. Renda was also named a third-team All America this year, which, combined with his bat speed and stats, makes him a very promising offensive prospect and a very solid pick.