2012 MLB Mock Draft: Overrated Picks That Spell Danger for GMs

With the 2012 Major League Baseball in full swing, the talk of the annual draft has already started to bubble to the surface.

As there is every season, there is an eclectic mix of talented prospects and overrated duds; we will be looking at the latter.

All of the following duds will spell danger for the GMs that pick them. They will be italicized.

1. Houston Astros (56-106): Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

The clear No. 1 overall pick, Mark Appel is MLB’s equivalent of the NBA’s future No. 1 pick Anthony Davis. It’s a lock.

2. Minnesota Twins (63-99): Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU

The Minnesota twins pitching staff needs all the help it can get, and a stud right-handed pitcher like Kevin Gausman that can be an instant impact is exactly what the team needs.

3. Seattle Mariners (67-95): Mike Zunino, C, Florida

While the Mariners may have Miguel Olivo and Jesus Montero, there is no depth at catcher. Olivo can be moved and the tandem of Mike Zunino and Montero could dominate MLB.

4. Baltimore Orioles (69-93): Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County High School (GA)

There is serious upside with Byron Buxton, but it will take the right coaching staff and plenty of tries. I expect an extended minor-league stay before making an impact in the majors.

5. Kansas City Royals (71-91): Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy

For years, the Kansas City Royals have lacked an elite talent in the middle of their infield and at the top of their lineup. They feel that shortstop Carlos Correa could be their man.

As good as Correa could be, he has yet to face serious competition like he will in the minor leagues. While the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy is one of the best in the world, nothing can prepare you for the majors like the minors.

If the Royals are expecting this to be a long-term solution that pays instant dividends, that is simply not the case. Correa is a project.

6. Chicago Cubs (71-91): Albert Almora, OF, Marion Christian Academy (FL)

The Cubs need a big bat in the outfield that can also be the heir apparent to the cleanup spot. If Albert Almora develops as many scouts think he can, he will be a serious slugger.

7. San Diego Padres (71-91): Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake (CA)

If there was a top pitching prospect in this draft for me, it would be right-hander Lucas Giolito and his 100 mph fastball. With room to grow, this kid will be a star.

8. Pittsburgh Pirates (72-90): Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State

The Pittsburgh Pirates need serious help through the middle of their infield. Arizona State star shortstop Deven Marrero will be their answer.

9. Miami Marlins (72-90): Max Fried, LHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)

The Miami Marlins have a strong pitching staff and a farm system full of prospects, so reaching for a left-handed pitcher like Max Fried at No. 9 is not a smart choice.

It looks like all the Miami teams want to get into the action of picking a player far higher than they should be (see Miami Dolphins and Ryan Tannehill).

While there is no doubting the talent that Fried has, the Marlins have bigger needs and his risk isn’t worth the possible reward.

10. Colorado Rockies (73-89): Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco

At 6’4” and throwing a heavy fastball, the Colorado Rockies are hoping that Kyle Zimmer is the ace that they have lacked for years.

11. Oakland Athletics (74-88): Courtney Hawkins, RF, Carroll HS (TX)

The Oakland Athletics are in the midst of a full franchise makeover, and Courtney Hawkins fits the mold of long-term project that could be a star.

12. New York Mets (77-85): Gavin Cecchini, SS, Barbe HS (LA)

No more Jose Reyes and no real future at the spot will have Mets thinking upside and snagging high school shortstop Gavin Cecchini.

13. Chicago White Sox (79-83): Richie Shaffer, 3B, Clemson

The White Sox need infield help, and Richie Shaffer is arguably the most MLB ready third baseman in the draft.

14. Cincinnati Reds (79-83): Marcus Stroman, RHP, Duke

The need for an experienced pitcher that can step right in and make an impact will force Cincinnati to reach a bit on Duke right-hander Marcus Stroman.

15. Cleveland Indians (80-82): Andrew Heaney, LHP, Oklahoma State

Tampa Bay went hard after drafting left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney in 2009, but came up short. After his college stint at Oklahoma State, there are serious questions about how much upside he has.

Heaney was pegged as a starter by the Rays, but the Cleveland Indians would be looking to add him as a middle reliever. With expectations being lowered already, this is a sign of trouble.

If there is legitimate concern about how much growth the young pitcher can still amass, you could see his draft stock fall. Eventually, a team won’t be able to pass on a left-handed prospect of any sort.

16. Washington Nationals (80-81): Chris Stratton, RHP, Mississippi State

With a young Nationals team building for the future, right-hander Chris Stratton will be a great addition.

17. Toronto Blue Jays (81-81): Matt Smoral, LHP, Solon HS (OH)

The 6’8” Matt Smoral is one of the best pure pitchers in the draft. He is already throwing 94 mph and has developed a nice breaking ball. With the proper training, this is the kind of player that could be an All-Star.

18. Los Angeles Dodgers (82-79): Lance McCullers, RHP, Jesuit HS (FL)

With power to spare, the Dodgers have found the future of the stagnant bull pen with Lance McCullers.

19. *St. Louis Cardinals (90-72): Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M

It’s still unclear whether Michael Wacha will be a starting or relief pitcher in the majors, but it’s just a matter of time before the tall Texas A&M star makes it to the majors.

20. San Francisco Giants (86-76): Joey Gallo, 3B/RHP, Bishop Gorman HS (NV)

While a prospect that pitches and fields is usually not the best at either, 6’5”, 220-pound Joey Gallo is everything a team could want. With plenty of raw skill to work with, the Giants would be getting a great long-term project.

21. Atlanta Braves (89-73): D.J. Davis, OF, Stone HS (MS)

D.J. Davis is one of the rawest players in the 2012 draft, but he has so much offensive talent that a team like the Braves can't pass him up.

22. **Toronto Blue Jays (81-81): Hunter Virant, LHP, Camarillo HS (CA)

Toronto’s pitching staff is young, but they need to continue stockpiling arms until a few start to pay off. A big left-hander like Hunter Virant will fit right in.

23. St. Louis Cardinals (90-72): Nolan Fontana, SS, Florida

The lack of a successful middle infield is sad for the St. Louis Cardinals, but Nolan Fontana will walk right onto the roster and contend for a starting job.

24. Boston Red Sox (90-72): Carson Kelly, 3B, Westview HS (OR)

While he is considered one of the top high-school prospects of 2012, Carson Kelly may be heading to college. That’s why the Red Sox make the pick they do later in the draft.

25. Tampa Bay Rays (91-71): Lucas Sims, RHP, Brookwood HS (GA)

The Tampa Rays are great for finding promising young stars, and Lucas Sims will be no different. The smaller pitcher packs plenty of punch and will be an MLB difference maker.

26. Arizona Diamondbacks (94-68): Pierce Johnson, RHP, Missouri State

After a successful career at Missouri State, Pierce Johnson has to answer the questions about his consistency and stamina. He has the potential to be a great relief pitcher after some time in the minors, though.

27. ***Milwaukee Brewers (96-66): Stephen Piscotty, 3B, Stanford

With the first of two back-to-back picks for the Brewers, the team has to address their infield needs. That’s where Stanford third baseman Stephen Piscotty comes in.

28. Milwaukee Brewers (96-66): Clint Coulter, C, Union HS (WA)

As tough as his decision will be, Clint Coulter has a chance to be a factor with the Milwaukee brewers if he comes out now. If he goes to college, the majors will have to wait.

29. Texas Rangers (96-66): Zach Eflin, RHP, Hagerty HS (FL)

With the Rangers adding arms with Roy Oswalt, they will add a right-handed pitching prospect with height (6’5”) and potential to be a star. Zach Eflin at No. 29 is a good pick.

30. New York Yankees (97-65): Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (FL)

With Derek Jeter reaching the point of no return sooner rather than later, drafting a great shortstop prospect like Addison Russell is a no-brainer.

31. ****Boston Red Sox (90-72): Corey Seager, 3B, Northwest Cabarrus HS (NC)

Corey Seager is the kind of player that could be the long-term solution at third base the Red Sox so desperately need.

*Compensation from Los Angeles Angels for Albert Pujols

**Compensation for failing to sign 2011 first-round pick Tyler Beede

***Compensation from Detroit for Prince Fielder

****Compensation from Philadelphia for Jonathan Papelbon

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