2012 MLB Draft Projections: Can't-Miss Prospects at Top of Draft

In the 2012 MLB draft, there are electrifying but risky prospects (Byron Buxton, Lucas Giolito, Albert Almora, Carlos Correa) and there are safer, more proven options.

This article is concerned with the latter.

Sure, Buxton has rare talent and the potential to be a superstar in the big leagues, and if I were the Houston Astros I'd make him my top pick.

But I would do so knowing he was a far riskier option than the three players I've listed below, players who should have a short-track to the big leagues and sacrifice a bit of ceiling but are likely to reach their full potential.

Let's take a look at a few can't-miss prospects at the top of the draft.

Mark Appel, RHP (Stanford)

Appel remains the other option for the Astros at the top of the draft, and for good reason—he combines electric stuff with experience on the college level, and is widely considered the top pitching prospect in this draft.

Appel battles a bit with inconsistency and won't have a meteoric rise to the majors like a Stephen Strasburg, but he has three plus pitches (a mid-90s fastball, a biting slider and a changeup) and should develop into a top-of-the-rotation option with a bit of seasoning in the minors.

If he adds another pitch or two to his arsenal, look out—Appel could be a good one.

Mike Zunino

Last year's SEC Player of the Year has built upon a strong 2011, hitting .323 with 16 home runs and 55 RBI this season for Florida.

Zunino doesn't really have any glaring weaknesses. He's obviously an excellent hitter, but he also defends his position well, has a good grasp on handling a pitching staff and has shown improvement in all three seasons at Florida.

Zunino should have a fast-track to the big leagues, and while he'll never be a superstar should develop into one of the better catchers in the game and very solid hitter.

Kevin Gausman, RHP (LSU)

We could probably stop simply by listing Gausman's stats from this season: 10-1 in 107 2/3 innings pitched with a 2.84 ERA, 125 strikeouts and only 24 walks.

Not too shabby.

Gausman can run his four-seamer up to 98 MPH, mixes in a nice two-seamer and changeup and is still working out a slider. If he can make his slider a plus pitch, he'll be nasty.

Like Zunino, he's survived the tough SEC with flying colors and has arguably been the best pitcher in college baseball this season. He has ace potential and at worst should develop into a third or fourth starter for a team.

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