With the No. 16 pick in Monday’s MLB draft, the Washington Nationals selected right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito. The No.?16 selection hasn’t historically produced stars, but here are five players that have been picked in that slot and went on to have successful careers. 5. Wally Backman » The second baseman was drafted by the Mets, played nine seasons in New York and was part of the championship team in 1986. He had six hits in 18 at-bats against the Red Sox in the World Series.
4. Nick Swisher » The fun-loving outfielder has hit more than 20 home runs in seven straight seasons and is on pace to do it again this year. During his nine-year career, he’s played with the Athletics, White Sox and Yankees and has one All-Star appearance (2010).
3. Shawn Green » The outfielder played 15 years in the league, hit more than 40 homers three times and had four seasons with more than 100 RBIs. He made two All-Star Games and received MVP votes in three seasons (1999, 2001, 2002).
2. Lance Parrish » No player selected No. 16 has played in more games than Parrish’s 1,988. He spent 19 years in the majors, including 10 with the Tigers. The catcher was an eight-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner. In 1984, he helped Detroit win the World Series.
1. Lance Berkman » The six-time All-Star has 359 career home runs while hitting .296. With the Astros in 2002, Berkman led the NL in RBIs with 128. Last year, he had 31 homers and 94 RBIs to help the Cardinals win the World Series.
– Jeffrey Tomik
