2012 MLB Draft: What Byron Buxton Would Mean to the Minnesota Twins

An unknown source told Jim Bowden of ESPN that the Houston Astros are expected to take Mark Appel with the first-overall pick in tomorrow's MLB draft.

Assuming that this source is accurate, the Minnesota Twins should definitely grab high school outfielder Byron Buxton in the second position.

What exactly does this mean for Minnesota Twins fans?

Honestly, it probably won't mean a lot for a little while. Buxton is entering the draft out of Appling County High School in Baxley, Georgia, and high school prospects almost always need more time in the minor leagues.

That being said, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about Buxton. According to reports from Albert Chen of Sports Illustrated, Buxton has clocked the fastest time out of the box by any right-handed prospect since Bo Jackson, and his arm has been clocked at 99 miles an hour (he is going to be a centerfielder, but he has pitched throughout high school).

According to that same article written on May 22, Buxton is hitting .545 this season and has stolen 35 bases in 36 attempts. Given the fact that he is 6'3" and currently 180 pounds, he might fill out even more and add on more power.

Buxton has the potential to be a legitimate five-tool player, and those definitely don't come along every day.

If this source that told Jim Bowden that Mark Appel is really accurate, the Minnesota Twins will have the opportunity to grab a player with arguably the most potential in the draft. High school players are risky, but given the potential rewards, Buxton is a no-brainer if he is still available.

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