MLB Draft 2012: Breaking Down 5 Prospects Who Are Bound for Superstardom

The 2012 MLB draft, scheduled for June 4-6, is just over a month away, and this year's class promises to offer plenty of intrigue.

Whether it be a prime defensive shortstop with good power, or a starting pitcher with electric stuff poised to be a top-of-the-rotation starter in the majors, the 2012 draft class figures to be explosive.

Here are my top five prospects heading for the 2012 MLB draft.

5. Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy

Carlos Correa already flashes the defensive ability in high school to be a top-of-the-line shortstop down the line. He has a great arm with above-average range and fluidity. Beyond that, he can swing the bat, projecting to be an above-average contact hitter with tremendous power.

You add in his speed and he could be a baserunning threat.

4. Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County High School (Georgia)

Byron Buxton exploded at the East Coast Showcase in the summer, boosting his stock to the top of the list. He has outstanding speed, which has made him a very promising base-stealer and outfielder.

He also has a line-drive swing with gap power. The ball jumps off his bat at times.  

3. Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU

Kevin Gausman has electric stuff and he's become more polished throughout the years. He can hit 94 miles per hour with his fastball, with room for improvement, and has a nice changeup. His curve should develop into a solid pitch in due time.

He needs to work on his command, but he has the stuff to be a front-line starter.

2. Mike Zunino, C, Florida

Mike Zunino is unquestionably the best catcher in the class. He has great bat speed and power and projects to be a threat to hit for the fences in future. He's also a very good defensive prospect who can handle a pitching staff well, and he has a strong, accurate arm behind the dish.

Beyond that, his father, Greg, was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1981 and played two seasons for them before becoming a scout.

1. Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

Mark Appel could very well be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft. He has several plus pitches, including an explosive fastball, a hard slider and an above-average changeup.

Sometimes he can get on top of his fastball, which keeps the ball up, but with more work he could become a top-of-the-rotation starter.

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