2012 MLB Draft: 5 Players the Houston Astros Could Take at No. 1

The Houston Astros finished with an MLB-worst 56-106 record last year, earning them the top pick in the 2012 MLB draft.

The Astros will be picking No. 1 for the first time since 1992, when they drafted Phil Nevin out of Cal-State Fullerton.

In recent years, the draft has had its share of players who went on to be stars (Stephen Strasburg, David Price and Justin Upton) and those who didn't turn out so well (Tim Beckham, Luke Hochevar and Matt Bush).

So, while there's no guarantee that the No. 1 pick will be everything that a team hopes for, there is still a general consensus that certain players will be can't-miss prospects.

Last year, the Astros drafted outfielder George Springer with their first pick. Springer is ranked No. 3 on the Astros' top prospect list.

The following are five players who I believe will be considered for the top pick in this year's draft by the Astros.

Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU

Gausman was drafted in the sixth round of the 2010 draft by the Dodgers, but chose to go to LSU instead.

As a freshman last year, the right-hander went 5-6 with a 3.51 ERA and 86 strikeouts.

His potential is through the roof, as his fastball hovers around the low to mid-90s,and has been clocked at 100 mph before. The pitch runs in on righties; however, he's still in the process of developing other pitches.

Although he's still developing, Gausman is a definite possibility with the first pick, especially if he can have a great sophomore season at LSU.

Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State

The Astros are very thin at shortstop in their farm system, so Marrero is a possibility at No. 1 as well.

He was previously drafted by the Reds in the 17th round of the 2009 draft, but chose to go to Arizona State instead.

The best thing about him is his defense. And, while many high school and collegiate shortstops switch positions in pro ball, Marrero is one of the few that will stick with his natural position.

Although his stick still needs work, Marrero will continue to develop. And, with professional instruction starting after the draft, he'll become a good hitter. However, don't expect him to hit for a lot of power. He'll be a gap hitter, garnering more doubles than home runs each year.

Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County HS (GA)

Buxton is one of the few players that could make it as a pitcher or a hitter.

However, most agree that his ticket to the big leagues will be with his bat.

At 6'1", 175 lbs., Buxton will add more weight in pro ball and grow into his frame.

Another part of his game that is strong is his speed, which helps him on the basepaths and in the field.

Whoever does draft him will be developing a lead-off hitter for the big leagues for years to come.

Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake School (CA)

The top high school prospect in the country, Giolito stands at 6'6", 242 lbs.

With as intimidating of a look as C.C. Sabathia, Giolito has scouts drooling over his services.

With a slow and easy delivery, Giolito makes things look easy on the mound.

And, to top it off, he has five pitches in his arsenal—a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, curve, slider and circle change.

The main thing the Astros will have to decide when it comes to Giolito is if they want a stud high school prospect or stud college prospect.

Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

Most people think Mark Appel will be the top pick in the draft.

A power pitcher with a big frame, Appel averages between 93 and 95 on his fastball. His second-best pitch is a slider that is literally a swing-and-miss.

What ranks Appel as one of the best prospects is his command. He knows how to locate the ball and constantly fools hitters with his location. He has a high baseball IQ and knows when he's supposed to throw certain pitches and where.

My bet is that the Astros will take him with the first pick.