SECAUCUS, N.J. — Dansby Swanson, a slick-fielding Vanderbilt shortstop with a line-drive swing, was selected No. 1 in the major league baseball draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, a night that was notable for the arms selected for future major league infields but not for pitching mounds.
For the first time, shortstops were taken with the first three picks. Four were picked in the top 10 and six in the top 20. It sent a clear message that organizations were looking to play it safe rather than risk selecting hard-throwing starters who are susceptible to major injury; last year’s No.