2012 MLB Draft Prospects: Biggest Boom-or-Bust Prospects in Class

Baseball is a game of busts.

For every hit, there isn’t a miss, but about three or more misses. Scouting has a similar success rate. Here are four of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in the 2012 MLB Draft.

4. Joey Gallo, 3B

At 6’5”, 220 pounds, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to guess what Gallo’s niche is. No hitter in the class boasts as much raw power. He also possesses elite arm strength, and because of that, Gallo has the potential to pitch in the majors as well.

While a home-run machine is his ceiling, you can’t go yard if you can’t make contact. According to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com, concerns about Gallo’s ability to consistently connect with the ball exist.

3. Stryker Trahan, C

Like Gallo, Trahan is a powerful hitter. The 6’1”, 215-pounder is an impressive athlete for his position as well. Trahan’s competitiveness and leadership combined with his physical ability make him an extremely attractive prospect.

Jason A. Churchill of ESPN reported, though, that question marks continue to swirl around his defensive ability. His offensive output isn’t consistent, either.

2. Lance Mccullers, RHP

Mccullers can be as good as he wants to be. The potential ace consistently hurls heat that licks the upper 90s. His father played in the majors, and with Mccullers’ mental edge on the mound, it isn’t difficult to see that he was bred to compete.

His command, on the other hand, is nothing to write home about. Mccullers must improve in that area if he wants to become a starter. Keith Law of ESPN suggested that he could just be better off as a reliever.

1. Lucas Giolito, RHP

At 6’6”, 230 pounds, Giolito is a monster. His ability to throw a lightning fastball, effective curveball and deceptive changeup have scouts comparing him to Roy Halladay.

Giolito is projected to be selected around the top 10, but he could realistically have heard his name called first overall if it weren’t for a sprained ulnar collateral ligament. That is the doubt that surrounds the once dominant pitcher. His ability to recover from the major elbow injury will make or break his MLB career.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels.