MLB Draft 2012: Top Left-Handed Pitchers of This Year's Class

As the 2012 MLB draft approaches, teams have had plenty of time to evaluate prospects by now.

Left-handed pitchers have proven invaluable to teams throughout the years, whether it be coming off the bench to strike out a left-handed power bat or giving opponents a different look.

There are several premier left-handed pitchers in the 2012 MLB draft class. Here's a look at my top three as we get set for draft day on June 4. 

3. Hunter Virant, Camarillo High School

At 6'3", 180 pounds, Hunter Virant projects to have good size down the line in the pros. Beyond that, he has a solid fastball that can already hit 94 miles per hour, and he has a nice mid-70s curveball that should serve him well in the majors.

Virant offers plenty of potential and is widely considered to be a first-round prospect.

2. Andrew Heaney, Oklahoma State

Andrew Heaney doesn't throw very fast (93 miles per hour tops), but he has great movement to right-handed hitters. He also throws a deceptive breaking pitch and a changeup.

His delivery to the plate is very smooth, and he mixes the speed of his pitches well, already showing an understanding of the game well beyond his years. This past week, Heaney tossed yet another complete game against Alcorn State, throwing 74 of his 101 pitches for strikes.

1. Max Fried, Harvard-Westlake High School

Max Fried is largely regarded as the top left-hander in the 2012 class, and Keith Law of ESPN ranks him as the No. 5 overall prospect.

Fried will pitch from 89 to 93 miles per hour, but his smooth, yet deceptive delivery makes it hard for hitters to detect the ball out of his hand in time. He also has a nice breaking pitch in the mid-70s and a smooth changeup that breaks late.

He's a bit inconsistent, but few high schoolers aren't. With a little work, he projects as a top-of-the-rotation starter in the majors.

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