2012 MLB Draft Prospects: Breaking Down Top Pitchers in This Year's Class

The 2012 Major League Baseball Draft is loaded with intriguing arms at the top, though almost all of them come with at least one serious question mark. 

Pitching is always at a premium, so don't be shocked if you see some teams reaching for someone that they feel they can turn into a top-of-the-rotation starter in the near-future. It happened last year, with Seattle surprising everyone by taking Virginia's Danny Hultzen No. 2 overall, and it is going to happen again. 

Here is a look at the top pitchers available in this year's draft. 

(Note: Pitcher's are listed in the order I would take them.)

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

6'6", 235 LBS, Age: 17

While there was a lot of concern earlier this season about a sprained ulnar collateral ligament that was going to keep him out all year, Giolito started a throwing program earlier this month and there doesn't seem to be a lot of concern about his health as the draft approaches. 

It's a shame Giolito didn't get to showcase his skills on the mound this season, because he has the most electric arm in this draft and would likely have been the first or second player taken. Instead, he will have to "settle" for being taken in the top 10. 

Whoever gets Giolito is getting a potential No. 1 starter. He has a fastball that routinely touches triple-digits with a hard, sharp curveball. His changeup is his third-best pitch, but it is an above-average offering right now and will get better as he uses it more. 

Despite the elbow injury, Giolito has a clean delivery with an easy finish that doesn't put a lot of stress on his arm. He stays on top of the ball and uses his height to throw his fastball on a good downhill plane. 

Predicted Pick: No. 4 to Baltimore Orioles

Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU

6'4", 185 lbs, Age: 21

2012 Stats (through end of regular season): 9-1, 2.86 ERA, 100 2/3 IP, 118 K, 23 BB

Gausman started the year as one of the top two college pitchers available in this year's draft, along with Stanford's Mark Appel, and his performance has pushed him ahead of the Cardinal ace. 

With an easy, controlled delivery that allows him to hide the ball, Gausman's already-plus stuff plays up. He is a long, lanky pitcher and uses his stride to make his mid-90s fastball jump on hitters. 

In addition to his fastball, Gausman also features one of the best changeups in this draft class and an improving slider. With some improvements in his command, Gausman could become a dominant No. 2 starter. 

Predicted Pick: No. 5 to Kansas City Royals

Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

6'5", 215 lbs, Age: 20

2012 Stats (through end of regular season): 9-1, 2.45 ERA, 103 IP, 108 K, 22 BB

Appel is one of the most frustrating pitchers to try and figure out. He has the stuff to be a lot more dominant than he has been, but there are some slight mechanical flaws that prevent him from reaching his full potential. 

Starting with his repertoire, Appel throws a mid-90s fastball that he can crank up to 99 when he has to. He has a good feel for his changeup, which is his second best offering. His curveball lacks consistency, though he can make it a swing-and-miss pitch with some development time. 

The issues that you run into with Appel stem from his delivery. It's not a bad delivery, from the standpoint of it doesn't lend itself to arm or shoulder problems. Instead, he doesn't get on top of his fastball as much as he could or should, and that also allows hitters to get a look at the ball before it leaves his hand. 

If you believe that the delivery can be cleaned up to help his stuff play up, there is a No. 2 starter waiting to be unleashed. 

Predicted Pick: No. 1 to Houston Astros

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