Six 1st Rounders Guaranteed to Succeed from the 2012 MLB Draft

This was the first year I looked forward to the MLB Draft. I had followed a few players in high school and college and was interested to see where they would land. Not to mention, the overall talent in the draft is pretty good. But there are six first round draft picks that really stick out to me.

Top selection by the Houston Astros, Carlos Correa waves to fans

#1 pick, Carlos Correa, Houston Astros, Shortstop, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School

Over the final few weeks of scouting, Correa stock rose from a top-ten pick to the #1 overall. When you're being compared to a young Alex Rodriguez, you should probably be the top pick. He is just 17 years old, so it will be a few years before he makes his way up the the show, but don't expect it to be super long. I can see him being up and possibly starting at age 20. Of course the top pick will be expected to succeed, but Correa has the intangibles to be not just a great player, but a superstar.

#2 pick, Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins, Outfielder, Appling County High School

Yes, I am starting with the first two picks. But I absolutely love was Bryon Buxton brings to the table for the Twins. He is the definition of the five-tool player. Not only is he is a star at baseball, he is a three sport athlete. He played basketball and football, along with baseball in high school. Buxton hit .513 with three home runs and 38 stolen bases during his senior season. He also pitched, striking out 18 batters in seven innings in the Georgia Class Double-A state championship series. But Buxton will stick to playing outfield. He has a cannon for an arm too. He has possibly the brightest future of all picks in the draft this season. 

#6 pick, Albert Almora, Chicago Cubs, Outfielder, Mater Academy

I think the Cubs finally got it right with this pick. He is not particularly fast and doesn't have an outstanding arm, but his offense will make up for that. He batted .603 with 13 doubles, five triples, six home runs, 34 RBIs and 24 steals with Mater Academy this season. The main problem with Almora will be signing him. As I said, he is not the best defensive player, but isn't so bad that it make him unreliable out there.

#8 pick, Mark Appel, Pittsburgh Pirates, Right-handed pitcher, Stanford University

Appel was expected to be the number one pick for the longest time. The Pirates feel him dropping to #8 was a steal. The main reason he fell so far was because of the new signing rules. This is the third RHP the Pirates have selected in the first round in the last three years. For the Pirates sake, I hope they all pan out. But Appel may have the chance to be the best of all three.

#13 pick, Courtney Hawkins, Chicago White Sox, Outfielder, Carroll High School

Fortunately for the White Sox, 2009 first round selection Jared Mitchell is progressing in AA ball. But to me, Hawkins is going to succeed Mitchell very quickly. Sox fans, expect Courtney to be up in the big leagues in no time. The Sox will take their time with him, but I think he can progress quick enough to be up very quickly. That is how good he can be. He hits for power, as well as contact. Living in Chicago, I am going to love following him throughout his career.

#16 pick, Lucas Giolito, Washington Nationals, Right-handed pitcher, Harvard-Westlake School

Another great pick by the Nationals. He did have an elbow problem this year, but it appears to be no big deal. Has ace potential and has recently touched 100 MPH on the gun. The Nats, not afraid of taking a risk, also picture this pick as a steal. I do as well. Giolito is going to be great, little doubt about it. I love this pick.

To me, these six players have the brightest futures of all first round selections in the 2012 MLB Draft. For obvious reasons too. I love following young players and can't wait to see how these six pan out in the future.

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