2012 MLB Draft Projections: Where Top Shortstops Will Land

The 2012 MLB Draft will feature many rock-solid shortstops who will earn first-round selections. 

Carlos Correa, Deven Marrero, Nolan Fontana and Gavin Cecchini lead the way among this year's slick fielding crop. All three players will be taken in the first round, with Tanner Rahier sure to follow.

Let's take a look at each of these players and which major league team will call their name Monday night.

Carlos Correa

Correa will not make it past the Padres at No. 7. He may not make it past Seattle at No. 3.

Remember his name. Correa could be the best player to come from this year's crop of prospects. He has elite tools at the plate and raw ability in the field.

Correa's 6'4'' frame leads some to believe he will eventually move to third base. For now, let's enjoy the spectacle Correa provides.

He is tall, lanky and athletic in the field. He has excellent range with a rocket arm, but he is inconsistent at times.

Offensively, Correa has the potential to hit 30-40 home runs. He also displays impressive contact hitting.

He is arguably the biggest can't-miss prospect in this year's draft.

Deven Marrero

The Pittsburgh Pirates could take Marrero with the No. 8 selection, or he could fall to the Mets at No. 12.

Marrero fits the traditional shortstop mold. He has a strong glove, ample arm and stoic patience at the dish. He struggled to hit for power in his final season with Arizona State, but he has enough ceiling to improve on that.

When it comes to the Pirates, Marrero would definitely fill a need. Taking him at No. 8 would be a stretch, but the Pirates need a shortstop in the worst way.

Marrero's bat should eventually find its way to the top of the order, and his glove will be above-average quality. His college experience will push him to the major leagues quicker than a Cecchini, or Rahier, but he does not have their upside.

Gavin Cecchini

If Pittsburgh takes Marrero with the No. 8 pick, Cecchini will be a New York Met. If they don't, the Mets will take Marrero and the White Sox will take Cecchini at No. 13.

He does not have long-ball power, but he possesses a dangerous gap-to-gap stroke. His above-average speed makes him a potentially valuable asset to the future of a major league middle infield.

Cecchini fields his position well, has legitimate range and a strong arm. He makes all the expected plays, and throws in a few 'wow' moments here and there.

Age and development will go a long way in Cecchini's path to the major leagues. He is young, and he will need a fair amount of time to figure out his plate approach.

Nolan Fontana

Expect the Cardinals to snag Fontana with the No. 23 pick in tonight's first round. Fontana will be a reliable option for years to come.

Don't expect superstar-caliber production, but Fontana brings everything you need in a shortstop. He fields his position, understands the game and works the pitching count.

Patience at the plate allows Fontana to jump start an offense with a walk. He rarely strikes out (25 times this season).

St. Louis will love Fontana's leadership and gritty attitude. He wants to win, makes the tough plays and displays solid decision-making.

Look for Fontana to hit 10-15 home runs a season, and bat around .265.

Tanner Rahier

Rahier will fall to Milwaukee at No. 27. He will take some time to develop, but the Brewers will be happy with the finished product.

Athleticism and slick leather are the first things that come to mind with Rahier. He uses his speed and quickness to get to balls deep in the hole, and has a strong arm once he gets there.

At the dish, Rahier is a gap-to-gap hitter with marginal power potential. He must work on his plate approach, and discipline, but he could become a top-of-the-order bat eventually.

Rahier will be selected in the first round, and he will toil in the minor leagues for at least two, or three, seasons.

When all is said and done, the Brewers will have a solid shortstop on their hands.