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A look at the #4 overall picks in the MLB Draft in the 2000s

By Benjamin Chase

May 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) hits a double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) hits a double against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Monday, June 12 is the MLB Draft. Who were the best players taken with the fourth pick in the 2000s?

In just six days, on June 12, the MLB Draft will begin. We will have a live thread that evening here at Call to the Pen with instant analysis of the selections from our own Benjamin Chase throughout the first night.

As we prepare for the draft, here is the schedule for some draft information to get you ready for the big day when the MLB draft kicks off next Monday night:

Monday, June 5 – A look at the #5 picks of the 2000s
Tuesday, June 6 – A look at the #4 picks of the 2000s
Wednesday, June 7 – Mock Draft 6.1
Thursday, June 8 – A look at the #3 picks of the 2000s
Friday, June 9 – A look at the #2 picks of the 2000s
Saturday, June 10 – A look at the #1 picks of the 2000s
Sunday, June 11 – Final Mock Draft: What Ben Would Do
Monday, June 12 – Live Draft Thread!

2005. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Washington Nationals, 36.3 bWAR

In a draft with excellent talent in the top 10-12 picks (12 players in the first round have produced 10+ bWAR, and 6 have produced 30+ bWAR), the Nationals got the most immediate impact from their selection, as Zimmerman went from the University of Virginia to low-A, to AA, to the big league club by the end of 2005, and he showed no worse for the wear, posting a .988 OPS in the big leagues in 62 plate appearances.

Considered an elite defender, Zimmerman’s bat was quite productive immediately, producing an .822 OPS, 47 doubles, 20 home runs, 110 RBI, and 11 steals in his rookie 2006 season.

Zimmerman was a consistent producer until a shoulder injury really hurt his production in the 2014 season. A shift to first base still didn’t bring back his bat, but after some offseason strengthening work, a clean bill of health, and some notable adjustments in his swing, he’s been absolutely crushing the ball in 2017, with a .372/.417/.704 line.

On his career, Zimmerman has made one All-Star game (2009), won the 2009 NL Gold Glove, and won Silver Slugger awards in 2009 and 2010. He’s tallied a .281/.345/.475 career line with 231 home runs.

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