MLB Draft 2012: What the Experts Are Saying About Top Prospects

As the calendar creeps its way through the first few weeks of June, the time for the 2012 MLB draft is upon us, which means all experts have put together their last words of wisdom to pass along to the common fan.

Names like Byron Buxton, Mark Appel and Kevin Gausman have dominated the top few spots in most mock drafts. Here's what the experts are saying about all three soon-to-be draftees.

Byron Buxton

Sports Illustrated's Albert Chen believes the Appling High School product to be the most talented prospect in the entire draft.

He said: "[Buxton] might be the fastest prospect since Bo Jackson...most everyone agrees that [he] has the highest upside of anyone in the field."

A scout told Chen that "He's better than Andrew McCutchen...no doubt one of the best I've ever scouted."

MLB Network's Harold Reynolds chatted with Chris Bahr of Sporting News about the potential number one pick, explaining: "Byron Buxton is one of those unique athletes that you rarely come across. He has the chance to be a once-in-a-generation player."

Mark Appel

Though Buxton could easily steal the hearts of the Houston Astros and go first overall, starting pitcher Mark Appel will go right after him.

NESN contributor Ben Carsley sees Appel going to Minnesota with the second pick if the 'Stros take Buxton.

He talked about the Twins' reasoning if they were to choose the college product in his recent mock: "The Twins have a long history of drafting college players, and here they get the best arm the NCAA has to offer in Appel."

ESPN Insider Keith Law thinks Appel is also worthy of one of the first two selections, believing Houston will take him. He said: "The Astros intend to take whomever they believe is the best player, not the best player for the price, which makes sense given the historical value of the first overall pick."

Kevin Gausman

Appel will likely be the first pitcher taken off the board, but don't expect to see Gausman fall out of the first five selections in the draft.

In fact, MLB Network's Greg Amsinger views the LSU product as the most MLB-ready hurler in the class. Amsinger told Bahr:

"

He has the best swing-and-miss stuff and an electric arm. He dials it up to the upper-90s and he sits there. He is a special pitcher that, because of his four-pitch mix, he can win now. He has an ERA barely over 3.00, but he’s in the SEC, so that tells you something.

"

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun echoed his thoughts about the former Tiger. He stated: "He has the whole package, pitched against top competition, has a high ceiling and has been tutored by a former Orioles coach."

These three players are likely to be some of the first you hear off the board today during the draft, and as these experts just explained, it's not difficult to see why.