2012 MLB Draft Prospects: Power Ranking Best Players for No. 1 Pick

The 2012 Major League Baseball Draft is becoming cluttered at the top. Some of that has to do with no one player separating himself from the pack. Some of it is is just an indication of the uncertainty surrounding this year's class. 

Unlike the previous three years, which featured two locks with the No. 1 pick (Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper) and the 2011 draft being one of the deepest in history, things are wide open for everyone in 2012 because there is not that one rock-solid prospect who looks like a sure-thing right now. 

The Houston Astros, who own the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, will have a lot to think about between now and June 4. 

Here is a power ranking of the players who should be in the Astros' mix for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2012 MLB Draft. 

No. 5 Mike Zunino, C, Florida

Zunino doesn't have superstar potential, but he does offer a solid set of tools and the ability to play catcher in the big leagues. He is not an elite defender behind the plate, though he does have good receiving and blocking skills along with a good throwing arm. 

Offensively, Zunino is going to be a good hitter for average with a solid approach at the plate and the ability to hit 15-20 home runs.

Given the lack of offense at the catching position right now, Zunino should make a very strong big league catcher and has an outside shot to make a few All-Star teams. It helps that he already has a strong feel for the game and won't need a lot of time in the minors to develop. 

No. 4 Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

It is hard not to look at Appel's stuff—a mid-90s fastball, hard-breaking slider—and workhorse frame, and dream about what he could be. 

Certainly, Appel looks the part of a top-of-the-rotation starter that teams would be happy to take with the No. 1 overall pick. Unfortunately, his results don't always match his stuff.

He hasn't been terrible—a 6-7 record, 3.02 ERA, 110.1 innings, 114 hits, 86 strikeouts, 29 walks in 2011—but he is very hittable thanks to a delivery that lacks deception. 

Perhaps working with a big league pitching coach will help Appel fix the mechanical flaws he has right now, allowing him to become the dominant No. 2 starter his stuff suggests he should be. 

No. 3 Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy

While I don't think the Astros will have Correa at the top of their draft board or even in the first three or four spots, he is certainly worthy of being taken with the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. 

If Correa was able to stick at shortstop in professional baseball, he would probably be one of the first two or three players taken.

Since he is likely to outgrow the position as his body matures, teams will have to "settle" for him as a third baseman who will hit for average and a lot of power to go with strong defense thanks to arm strength and good range. 

No. 2 Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU 

Gausman has shown much better stuff this year and looks more like a top-of-the-rotation starter right now more than at any point in his college career. His fastball velocity has always been there and his change-up remains his best secondary offering, but a better feel for his slider gives him three pitches that he needs to succeed in professional baseball. 

He has a clean delivery, using his lower half to generate velocity, and he gets on top of all his pitches, making it difficult for hitters to lift the ball. 

If the Astros are keen on a college arm who can move quickly with the No. 1 pick, Gausman is the best option for them. 

No. 1 Byron Buxton, OF, Appling HS (GA)

Buxton has been the best prospect this draft season, and nothing in his performance has changed that thinking. He is the most exciting player available in this class with more upside and potential than anyone else.

While still very raw, Buxton has a good feel for the game and has the potential to be a five-tool superstar if he develops as expected. He has incredible bat speed and will develop power as his body matures. 

One of the better athletes in this draft, Buxton has tremendous speed and a strong throwing arm that will allow him to play either center field or right in professional baseball. He would provide the most value in center, it's just a matter of where teams want to put him. 

Considering that the Astros need a significant influx of high-impact talent if they want to contend any time in the next decade, Buxton is the best player for them and should be the pick on June 4. 

For more analysis on Major League Baseball, the draft, prospects and a lot of trash-talk about the Cleveland Indians, be sure to follow me on Twitter. 

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