With the first round of the 2012 MLB draft in the books, it’s time to break down the biggest surprises from Day 1.

Starting from pick No. 1, the order of players in which most experts had the draft going was thrown out the window. It was quite the day to be a fan of draft chaos!

All of the following were first-round shockers, but each will pay off in its own unique way. They weren’t bad surprises, just a little odd.

Get full grades & analysis for every team's first-round pick here!

 

Puerto Rican Shortstop Carlos Correa Goes No. 1

Stanford starting pitcher Mark Appel was heralded as the unquestioned No. 1 overall pick for the Houston Astros this season, but apparently they didn’t get the memo when they selected Puerto Rico Baseball Academy shortstop Carlos Correa.

While this comes as a shock to most people around the league, Correa’s bat is nothing to scoff at. With a unique blend of contact and power, this is the kind of player that could bat for a .300 average over his career.

Houston is making the transition to the American League, so they have the mindset of adding bats. While Mark Appel would have been a great pick, Correa has to be a chance to be an All-Star at the top of the team’s lineup.

 

Stanford Pitcher Mark Appel’s Drop

While Mark Appel had hopes of going No. 1 overall, falling down to No. 8 and the Pittsburgh Pirates is not the worst thing that could have happened.

Appel still has the same upside he did before the draft and still projects to be arguably the best player from this class. Adding his arm to the already solid Pirates staff and they could be a force in the National League sooner rather than later.

With lowered expectations because of his stock drop and the team he was drafted by, the allure when he succeeds should grow exponentially. Appel will be a star in Pittsburgh.

 

Colorado Rockies Select Oak Mountain HS OF David Dahl

The second biggest leap-of-faith from Day 1 was the Colorado Rockies selecting Oak Mountain High School outfielder David Dahl. While this is a big reach, it's one the team feels that can capitalize on.

With the middle of the 2012 draft riddled with young players that may be considering college, Colorado went after a kid in Dahl likely looking to make the transition to the majors.

Colorado is a smart organization and they will give the young player all the time in the minors he needs to develop into a viable starter for the big league squad. No matter when the time comes, Dahl will be a force from Day 1 with the Rockies.

 

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