2012 MLB Draft Prospects: Pitchers Who Will Make It to Majors Quickest

While drafting talented high-ceiling players may seem like an enticing option for MLB GMs, grabbing MLB-ready players is often the safer way to go. 

And if you're going to draft an MLB-ready player, chances are it will be a pitcher rather than a hitter. That's just the way things work in baseball.

Luckily for most teams, there are plenty of pitchers in this draft who will be making it to the major leagues shortly. Let's take a look at the ones who will make it the quickest. 

Mark Appel, Stanford

There's a reason this kid is the "Appel" of most teams' eyes and will most likely be the overall No. 1 pick. 

Most importantly, Appel has three plus pitches that can be effective in the majors right away. He has the delivery, command and arm strength that all suggest he is ready for the majors.

Appel could use some more deception in his windup, but that's something he can work on.

In 15 starts for Stanford, Appel went 10-1 and compiled an impressive 2.27 ERA to go along with 127 strikeouts in just 119 innings. He walked just 26 batters and was able to go the distance five times. 

The Houston Astros need a lot of help, so they would be smart grab Appel, who will provide help in the majors by late 2013 at the latest. 

Kevin Gausman, LSU

While pitching in the talented SEC, Gausman compiled an ERA of 2.72 to go with 128 strikeouts and just 27 walks in 115.2 innings.

That's incredibly impressive.

Gausman, much like Appel, is ready to quickly make the jump to the majors because of his assortment of plus pitches. He throws a fastball in the upper 90s, while his changeup can sit in the mid-80s with late movement. 

The young righty also possesses a curveball and a slider, although it's the slider that will help make him dangerous at the next level. 

Marcus Stroman, Duke

Because Stroman is just 5'9" he's being tagged as a potential reliever. But if that's the case, he could conceivably pitch in the majors as a reliever this year.

His ridiculous 136 strikeouts in 98 innings back up that notion.

Stroman has a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, a big curveball, a late-breaking slider and even a decent changeup. This kid is about as low-risk as you'll find in the draft, but his height is scaring teams off.

Nonetheless, wherever he gets drafted and whatever role he gets slotted into, Stroman will be a big leaguer sooner rather than later. 

Follow @t_keen