I believe there may be some need to define in what respect they meant smartest: Smartest ballplayer or Smartest ballplayer. The majority of these guys were drafted straight out of HS or IFAs and while I don't want to be quick to judge, there can still be a wide gap between an Ivy Leaguer and someone who spent more time ballin' than learnin'. Here's a test: Derek Jeter, Chris Young (Pitcher), Alex Cora. Who made the list?