2012 MLB Draft Live Coverage: Highlight Videos for Every Team's 1st-Round Pick

You've heard many of the names who have been called early in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft: Mark Appel, Mike Zunino and Byron Buxton (pictured) among them.

The real question fans will be asking is this: Just how good is my team's first-round pick going to be?

We can't know, of course.

But we can take a look at that player's highlights in high school or college.

In the slides that follow, I'll give you my scouting report on each player selected in the first round along with a video showcasing his skills on the diamond.

1. Carlos Correa to Houston Astros

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’3”/190

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 9/22/1994

High School: Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Puerto Rico)

College Commitment: Miami

The top position prospect in the 2012 draft class outside of Byron Buxton, the 17-year-old Correa possesses a highly projectable frame and an assortment of electrifying tools.

His plus arm may be his most noticeable tool, as he was clocked at 97 mph across the infield at the Perfect Game World Showcase. However, Correa isn’t all arm strength; he has smooth actions on the infield with above-average range and true instincts. 

2. Byron Buxton to Minnesota Twins

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’2”/170

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 12/12/1993

High School: Appling County HS (Ga.)

College Commitment: Georgia

Having drawn comparisons to the likes of B.J. Upton and Eric Davis, Byron Buxton is without a doubt the most toolsy and projectable player in the entire 2012 draft class. Also a standout pitcher for his high school, the right-hander originally warranted some draft consideration on the mound, but it’s very clear that his future is in center field.

If Buxton’s hit tool develops as many scouts predict, he has the chance to be a legitimate five-tool player—a term that’s religiously thrown around but rarely used appropriately. The Georgia native has plus speed that is as evident in the outfield as it is on the basepaths, and there’s even room for it to improve. In the outfield, he also has arguably the best prep arm in the draft, having been clocked regularly in the low-90s with plenty of carry.

At the dish, Buxton has plus raw bat speed and an easy swing, which has led many scouts to project that the right-handed hitter will develop at least above-average power. Furthermore, his ability to recognize quality offspeed pitches at such a young age suggests that he’ll be able to hit for average in time, as well.

Considering he’s only 18 years old and therefore has time to fully develop his baseball skills, Buxton won’t be rushed to the major leagues despite the struggling state of his new team. Fans should expect to see the exciting outfielder no earlier than 2016.

3. Mike Zunino to Seattle Mariners

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6’2”/220 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Age: 21

College: Florida

Year: JR

Mike Zunino is a strong, athletic catcher who has the overall skill set to remain at the position. He’s an above-average receiver who has made strides in his blocking and should continue to as he develops.

He has room to improve in his game-calling abilities, but has done a respectable job overall handling a highly talented Florida Gators pitching staff. He struggles to consistently throw out baserunners due to slightly below-average arm strength, slow transfer and release.

He's a pure hitter who drives the ball to all fields and generates good extension after contact. His swing can get a bit long at times, but it’s something that will be an easy fix with a big league hitting coach.  His hit tool is probably the most draftable in the entire class and could allow him to play any corner infield position in the major leagues.

Zunino also has baseball in his bloodlines, as his father Greg is a scout for the Cincinnati Reds and has served as an area scout for nearly 20 years.

As a college player, Zunino may not take too long to reach the major leagues. He definitely needs refinement defensively, but his bat has enough upside to make up for any shortcomings. He’s a pure hitter who could reach the big leagues in late 2014 or early 2015.

4. Kevin Gausman to Baltimore Orioles

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’4”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Age: 21

College: Louisiana State

Year: SO

Gausman—a draft-eligible sophomore who possesses a lightning-quick arm—has consistently popped the mid-to upper-90s all spring.  At 6’4”, he has an athletic and powerful frame that allows him to consistently throw it on a downward plane. Despite his fast arm, the right-hander has a smooth delivery with easily velocity, and knows how to utilize his strong lower half.

Surprisingly, his best secondary pitch is a changeup that grades as an above-average offering. Beyond that, Gausman also has a curveball that, when he’s throwing it well, is a hammer. His slider has flashed improvement in bite and depth, and, considering his plus fastball, could be a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch once it's more developed.

Given his similar size and arsenal, Gausman has been compared to Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer, but he already has far more repeatable mechanics. He's been dominant this season against top-notch SEC hitters, and is perhaps the most big league ready of all collegiate arms. Gausman could be in the major leagues by early 2015.

5. Kyle Zimmer to Kansas City Royals

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’4”/220 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 9/13/1991

College: San Francisco

Year: JR

A former position player who’s only been pitching for a few years, Zimmer is already highly advanced with a relatively fresh arm. In the past year, the right-hander has gone from a virtually unknown college arm to a player who has received consideration as the No. 1 overall draft pick.

However, he put himself on every organization’s radar with a eye-opening performance in NCAA Regional play against UCLA’s Gerrit Cole. San Francisco won the game 3-0 as Zimmer fired a four-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts and zero walks, retiring 26 of the 28 batters he faced.

His fastball has been as high as 98 mph this spring, though he typically works in the 93-96 mph range. Zimmer has a whippy arm with clean mechanics and significant core strength.

His curveball has late, sharp break and is viewed by some as the best breaking ball in the draft. As he gains more of a feel for it (and pitching in general), it should become a legitimate plus offering.

His changeup lags behind his breaking ball, but considering how quickly he’s put everything together on the mound, there’s no reason to doubt the pitch will be anything less than above-average.

Because his arm is still so fresh, I doubt he reaches the major leagues as fast as Kyle Gausman, Mark Appel or Michael Wacha. At the same time, he won’t be eased along either. His stuff will always be excellent; once he develops a firmer grasp on pitching, he'll start moving through the system quickly.

6. Albert Almora to Chicago Cubs

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’2”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 4/06/1990

High School: Mater Academy (Fla.)

College Commitment: Miami

Albert Almora has been on every scout's radar for years as one of the most well-rounded prospects in the 2012 draft class.

Although he’s merely an average runner with a 50-to-55-grade arm, Almora is an excellent outfielder who gets excellent jumps on the ball (lending to his plus range). Everything he does in the outfield is fundamentally sound, and he takes aggressive routes to the ball. He’s not a particularly fast runner, but his all-out hustle and footwork should allow him to stick in center field.

A right-handed hitter, Almora has a quick bat and surprising power that allows him to go yard to all fields. He has a controlled swing with a consistent path that allows him to jump on the best of velocities while still keeping enough weight back to drive offspeed pitches.

A veteran of the showcase circuit, Almora has drawn comparisons to Carlos Beltran for his all-around athleticism and skill set. Considered as a high first-round draft pick for the last two years, Almora is more advanced than most of the prep players in the 2012 draft class, and therefore has a shot to reach the major leagues by 2015.

7. Max Fried to San Diego Padres

Position: LHP

Height/Weight: 6’4”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/L

High School: Harvard-Westlake (Calif.)

College Commitment: UCLA

Fried, a 6’3”, 170-pounder whose fastball sits in the low-90s, has drawn rave reviews from scouts, especially for his plus breaking ball that has excellent shape and downward action. 

He has a highly athletic and projectable frame, while his feel and command of his pitches are incredibly mature for his age. His curveball is already a plus offering and the best in the draft, as he throws it in the mid-to-upper-70s with tight rotation and late, downward bite.

His delivery is smooth yet deceptive, which aids the effectiveness of his solid-to-average changeup. As a senior, he’s already shown an above-average feel for the strike zone as well as solid command of his pitches.

Fried has received comparisons ranging from Barry Zito (A’s-era Barry Zito, that is) and Clayton Kershaw due to both his command and pure stuff. He’ll need some time to develop, but it’s possible that Fried is one of the first prep pitchers in the 2012 draft class to reach the major leagues, possibly by late 2015.

Analysis: The long-struggling Padres locked up who they hope will be a cornerstone in their rotation for years to come. Hardly players these days in free agency, the Padres will look to stockpile pitching talent to keep up with the likes of the Giants and Dodgers in the NL West.

8. Mark Appel to Pittsburgh Pirates

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’5”/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Age: 21

College: Stanford

Year: JR

The top collegiate arm headed into the 2012 season, the tall right-hander has the prototypical power pitcher's build and a 94-98 mph fastball to match it. However, while his stats may suggest dominance, Appel has been too hittable all season. He struggles to get on top of his fastball at times, which results in straighter and lighter variations that linger up in the zone.

He’s demonstrated the ability to maintain his velocity deep into games, and, as Stanford’s ace, has eclipsed the 100-pitch mark in nearly every start—he’s even finished games with pitch counts in the 130s.

While his slider can flash plus potential on occasion, it’s an inconsistent pitch. Appel’s struggles with it have led to him throwing an increased amount of changeups this season—a pitch that currently works due to its speed differential instead of movement.

Appel has drawn comparisons to Mark Prior during his time at USC, although his secondary offerings are far less polished. Still, he has the ideal pitcher’s frame and the strong, durable arm to go along with it. He won’t need long to reach the major leagues, so fans can conceivably expect him to arrive by 2015.

9. Andrew Heaney to Miami Marlins

Position: LHP

Height/Weight: 6’2”/175 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/L

DOB: 6/5/1991

College: Oklahoma State

Year: JR

Heaney’s draft stock has been surging all spring, as he’s emerged as the top left-handed collegiate arm in the 2012 draft class. He sets up all of his offspeed pitches with a 90-95 mph fastball that has late, arm-side action. Furthermore, he throws it with conviction to both sides of the plate.

Much like last year’s top college southpaw, Danny Hultzen, Heaney has fluid and repeatable mechanics and throws the ball with minimal effort. He has a quick release that’s capable of working at several arm slots, though he typically throws from a high three-quarters angle.

Heaney has also shown above-average command of his 79-83 mph curveball and 83-87 mph changeup, which adds to his overall game. His mechanics are smooth and repeatable, and his quick arm adds deception to all his pitches.

His arm angle and ability to manipulate both pitches have drawn comparisons to C.J. Wilson, though it’ll be interesting to see how he handles a heavy workload in the major leagues. He won’t be a fast riser like Hultzen, but Heaney could reach the major leagues by late 2014.

10. David Dahl to Colorado Rockies

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’2”/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 4/1/1994

High School: Oak Mountain (Ala.)

College Commitment: Auburn

One of the more athletic and toolsy player in the 2012 draft class, David Dahl is a prospect who’s incredibly skilled but still involves a considerable amount of projection.

A left-handed hitter, Dahl has a level and smooth swing and plate discipline that allows him to handle quality pitching and drive the ball across the whole field. He does project to have some power, though it’s never really reared it’s head as Dahl appears more focused on roping base hits rather than jumping the yard.

He has the speed to stick in center, though it’s uncertain whether he has the instincts or on-field demeanor to handle the position at the next level. He has all the tools that project well at the next level, though his power remains suspect.

With that in mind, given his Alabama roots, Dahl is most often compared to Blue Jays’ center fielder Colby Rasmus. With such a high ceiling, expect Dahl to receive more than enough time to develop in the minors, and therefore debut no earlier than late 2016 or early 2017.

11. Addison Russell to Oakland A's

Position: SS/3B

Height/Weight: 6’1”/210 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 1/23/1994

High School: Pace (Fla.)

College Commitment: Auburn

A thicker player whose body doesn’t call for much projection, Addison Russell has the foot speed and arm strength to stick on the left side of the infield. However, only time will tell whether it’s at third base or shortstop.

As a hitter, Russell has above-average bat speed and, in turn, projectable raw power. However, as one expects from a prep prospect, his swing mechanics and bat path vary from day to day, and he lacks the all-around consistency that would make him an early first-rounder. Furthermore, his plate discipline is pretty raw, although that’s a characteristic that will improve with experience.

Given his size, athleticism and present raw power, Russell is best compared to Hanley Ramirez, who possessed a similar profile at the beginning of his professional career. He’ll likely need some extended time in the minor leagues, so don’t expect to see him before late-2016.

12. Gavin Cecchini to New York Mets

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’0"/175 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 12/22/1993

High School: Barbe (LA.)

College Commitment: Mississippi

A right-handed hitter, Cecchini has quick wrists and a compact swing that allow him to drive the ball from line-to-line. The ball jumps off his bat due to a direct and fluid bat path. He doesn’t have a ton of present power; however, he’s gotten considerably stronger over the last year-and-a-half, which has aided his overall power projection. Furthermore, Cecchini understands his swing as well as any hitter in the draft.

He’s not an exceptionally fast runner, but Cecchini’s above-average speed plays up both on defense and on the bases due to his natural instincts and high baseball IQ. He has true hands and quick, natural actions at shortstop, as well as a strong, accurate arm that will allow him to excel at the position.

The younger brother of Boston Red Sox prospect Garin Cecchini—a fourth-round selection by the Red Sox in 2010—Gavin has a chance to have a better career, which says a lot. His father Glenn was his high school baseball coach at Barbe High School in Louisiana.

Cecchini is more polished than the typical prep shortstop and has drawn comparisons to the Orioles’ J.J. Hardy due to his upside on offense. He may not need as much seasoning in the minors compared to some other prospects and could conceivably reach the majors by late 2015.

13. Courtney Hawkins to Chicago White Sox

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’3”/210 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 11/12/1993

High School: Carroll HS (Texas)

College Commitment: Texas

Hawkins had been steadily climbing the draft board after his all-around, eye-opening performance at the 2012 NHSI tournament earlier this spring. Of all prep position players, Hawkins easily has the best bat speed and loads projectable raw power.

An excellent athlete given his size, Hawkins has surprising plus speed as well as a low-90s arm from the outfield. He’ll likely move from center field to a corner spot given his power potential, but that’s far from a knock on his abilities.

As a young power hitter, Hawkins will need to make significant adjustments at the plate as a professional, especially in terms of his pitch recognition and plate discipline.

Despite his explosive athleticism and ahead-of-schedule baseball skills, Hawkins is still a very raw prospect and will need considerable time to develop in the minor leagues. Therefore, 2016 is a safe and realistic estimated time of arrival.

14. Nick Travieso to Cincinnati Reds

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’3”/200 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 1/31/1994

High School: Archbishop McCarthy HS (Fla.)

College Commitment: Miami

As a freshman in high school, Travieso was already touching the low 90s. These days, the right-hander sits in the 94-96 mph range and has been known to reach back for 97-99.

Like most fireballers, he also throws a sharp, mid-80s slider that’s intended to generate swing-and-misses rather than hit spots. He also features a changeup, though it is currently more of a show-me pitch intended to set up the fastball-slider combo.

A presence on the mound, Travieso uses his strong lower half and quick arm to generate exceptional torque, which in turn adds an element of deception to all his pitches. However, he does have a tendency to fall off to his glove side and in turn struggles to find his natural arm slot. Despite the quick arm and high velocity, he has no track record of injuries and has a strong, durable frame.

His high school program has been continually loaded with top-notch pitching, so the right-hander has been used only sparingly throughout his prep career. Therefore, his pure velocity and lack of mileage give him room to develop as a starting pitcher and a chance to reach the major leagues by 2016—though there has been the occasional mention of Travieso as a late-inning guy.

15. Tyler Naquin to Cleveland Indians

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’1”/185 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 4/24/1991

College: Texas A&M

Year: JR

Tyler Naquin has a smooth, fluid swing from the left side, and is one of the more advanced and consistent hitters in the 2012 draft class, especially relative to the lack of projectable collegiate bats. He won’t hit for much power, but his knack for making hard contact and his ability to utilize his above-average speed will make him an extra-base threat at the next level.

In the outfield, Naquin has the 70-grade, plus arm needed to be a right fielder at the professional level, although his power will need to develop in order to stay there. He takes aggressive routes to the ball and is smooth with his actions. He’s also been known to lure baserunners into testing his arm.

Given his advanced hit tool and cannon from the outfield, Naquin has been compared to the likes of David DeJesus and Melky Cabrera. His ultimate ceiling will be determined once his power is given adequate time to develop, but he could reach the major leagues by late-2014.

16. Lucas Giolito to Washington Nationals

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’6”/240 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 7/14/1994

High School: Harvard Westlake (Calif.)

College Commitment: UCLA

One of the nation’s top pitching prospects headed into the 2012 season, Giolito affirmed his potential as No. 1 overall draft pick by pumping 95-99 mph fastballs and dominating top-notch competition earlier this spring. However, the right-hander has been sidelined since early March after spraining his UCL and has become one of the biggest gambles in the 2012 draft class. He’s begun throwing flat-ground sessions, though he’ll need to be able to perform for scouts to be a top pick.

A UCLA commit, Giolito’s injury has scared teams enough to question drafting him. At the same time, his arm and arsenal—including a double-plus breaking ball and a solid-to-average changeup—are so impressive that the right-hander is a gamble worth taking.

Although he may not possess the baseball bloodlines like some other players in the 2012 draft class, Giolito’s family is well known within the entertainment realm: His mother is actress Lindsay Frost and his father, Rick, is the former Vice President of Electronic Arts and co-founder of Trilogy Studios.

Due to his blazing fastball and wipeout breaking ball, Giolito has drawn comparisons to Kerry Wood—though he has the chance to be ultimately far more polished by the time he reaches the major league level. Provided that there are no ongoing issues with his elbow, Giolito could debut by the 2015 or 2016 season.

17. D.J. Davis to Toronto Blue Jays

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’0"/175

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 5/5/1994

College: Meridian CC

It’s hard to be considered faster than Byron Buxton, but somehow, Davis is. He’s a superb athlete who has been clocked at 3.8-to-3.9 seconds to first from the left side of the plate and has surprisingly solid baseball skills as well.

Given his speed, one would expect Davis to be a player who focuses on slapping the ball to all fields and utilizing his speed. However, the left-handed hitter has a smooth swing with some loft, and, most importantly, he’s shown the ability to draw a walk.

In the outfield, Davis obviously has excellent range given his wheels, and he gets solid jumps in all directions. He has a mediocre arm, but that’s fine considering he’ll stick in center field.

Even if his power doesn’t develop as hoped, he still possesses Brett Gardner-like upside. He’s still fairly raw and will need his fair share of seasoning in the minor leagues, so he probably won’t arrive until 2016.

18. Corey Seager to Los Angeles Dodgers

Position: 3B

Height/Weight: 6’4”/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 4/27/1994

High School: Northwest Cabarrus (North Carolina)

College Commitment: South Carolina

The younger brother of Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager, Corey is a tall and projectable left-handed hitter who plays top-notch defense at the hot corner. He exhibits natural instincts in the field and possesses surprising speed. He has soft hands and a smooth transfer, and has popped 90 mph across the infield.

At the plate, Seager has impressive raw bat speed and the ball jumps off his bat. However, he has a hitch in his swing that makes him vulnerable to quality velocity, and will likely need some experience to iron it out.

Committed to South Carolina, Seager’s game strongly parallels his brother’s, and he may be a player who benefits from honoring his college commitment. Although he’s advanced for a prep player, it’s doubtful that Seager makes his big league debut before the 2017 season.

19. Michael Wacha to St. Louis Cardinals

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’6”/210 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Age: 20

Year: JR

Wacha is basically a two-pitch pitcher with a 50-grade fastball and plus changeup that is the best in the entire 2012 draft class. By the time he reaches the major leagues, it could even grade as high as a 65 or a 70. Most importantly, he’s shown superb command of both pitches, which aids his projection as a mid-rotation big league starting pitcher.

Although he doesn’t throw exceptionally hard, Wacha has a power pitcher’s frame with repeatable mechanics and clean arm action. His velocity dips late in games; however, he knows how to compensate for it by utilizing his changeup.

While he’s been effective with a limited arsenal, he’ll need to significantly develop his breaking ball to be successful at the next level. Wacha has little room left to grow and is one of the safer pitching prospects in the draft.

Due to his fastball/changeup combination, Wacha has been compared to Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard. However, the Aggies right-hander is far more projectable and should never be relegated to a bullpen role. Given his experience and advanced feel for pitching, Wacha is another top arm that could debut at some point in 2015.

20. Chris Stratton to San Francisco Giants

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’2”/197

Bats/Throws: R/R 

College: Mississippi State

Year: JR

Stratton’s fastball sits at 91-96 mph with arm-side action, and he has shown the ability to consistently locate the pitch low in the zone. The only knock on the right-hander is that he doesn’t throw the pitch enough, instead relying solely on his slider at times. At the next level, such an approach won’t be as effective against professional hitters.

Stratton has a legitimate out-pitch in his plus-slider. He throws it with nearly identical arm speed, and it features late, diving movement that generates an abundance of helpless swings.

Furthermore, he has enough confidence in the pitch to challenge hitters in the zone. The right-hander also gets enough depth and tilt on the pitch to consistently start it on the outside corner and draw flailing swing-and-misses out of the zone. Stratton also features a pretty good changeup that has become more than a show-me pitch this season, as his dominance of SEC hitters has led to a high draft projection.

Because Stratton receives 65-to-70-grades for his slider and features an above-average fastball, he’s been compared to Drew Storen as of late. Once he works with a major league pitching coach and learns to work off his fastball, Stratton could be a mid-rotation starter by early 2014.

21. Lucas Sims to Atlanta Braves

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’2”/195 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 5/10/1994

High School: Brookwood (Ga.)

College Commitment: Clemson

Sims is an athletic right-hander with repeatable mechanics and three above-average pitches. His fastball works best in the 92-94 mph range, where it generates some late sink and arm-side movement. This past summer, the right-hander’s fastball was clocked at 96-97 mph on multiple occasions.

Sims’ best offering is his curveball, which he throws with similar arm speed and gets late, downer movement. He has an advanced feel for the pitch and is confident throwing it in any count. Beyond that, Sims also possesses a changeup, although he uses it primarily to set up his fastball-breaking ball combination.

He’s highly polished for his age with at least average command of each of his pitches, and has been compared to the Royals’ Luke Hochevar. It wouldn’t surprise me if Sims reaches the Show faster than his first-round peers, making his debut at some point after the All-Star break in 2015.

22. Marcus Stroman to Toronto Blue Jays

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 5’9”/185 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 5/9/1991

College: Duke

Year: JR

At 5’9”, Stroman could probably pump in the low 90s from his knees. His size will ultimately hurt his draft stock, but his blinding arm speed and upper-90s fastball are legitimate. That said, he struggles to throw consistently on a downward plane and could be in for a rude awakening upon entering pro ball. Toeing the left side of the rubber, the right-hander throws somewhat across his body, though it does add to his overall deception.

However, Stroman’s above-average slider and changeup will help negate some of the concerns regarding his height. Relative to his fastball, the right-hander gets considerable swing-and-misses with both pitches, as he executes each of them with similar arm speed.

Given his plus fastball, there’s a strong chance that the right-hander will be transitioned to the bullpen. Much like retired MLB veteran reliever Tom “Flash” Gordon, he has an arsenal that profiles as a high-leverage relief pitcher or closer down the road.

If he remains a starter, Stroman has a chance to crack the big leagues by 2014. If he works out of the bullpen, however, we could even see him by the end of 2013.

23. James Ramsey to St. Louis Cardinals

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6'0”/195 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

Age: 22

College: Florida State

Year: SR

Despite the fact he isn’t a physical specimen, Ramsey has above-average raw power to all fields due to a compact left-handed swing. He employs a patient approach at the plate that gives him the ability to hit for both average and power, and makes him a constant on-base threat.

In the outfield, Ramsey has above-average speed and range, and may be able to remain in center field. He has slightly above-average arm strength with good carry on his throws that should offer enough versatility to handle all three outfield positions.

Ramsey receives the highest grades for his leadership ability on the field, as he’s the first player in 33 years to be officially named the captain of the Seminoles baseball team. He has all the ingredients to succeed at the next level, and is advanced enough to reach the major leagues by mid-to-late 2014.

24. Deven Marrero to Boston Red Sox

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’1”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Age: 21

College: Arizona State

Year: JR

Marrero is in the midst of a down year, as he’s struggled at the plate all season and has grown increasingly frustrated. Arguably the most advanced shortstop in the 2012 draft class, Marrero has developed an outstanding reputation for his soft hands and 60-grade range. He also possesses a strong arm that’s received a 70-grade from some scouts, which, when combined with his defensive prowess, makes him a lock to continue his career there at the next level.

Scouts remain divided about whether his hit tool profiles as a big league shortstop, but regardless, he’ll need to improve his contact rate. Don’t get me wrong; he’s a solid hitter. However, his bat and on-base skills still leave something to be desired. Marrero will never hit for much power, but he should be able to collect 15-25 doubles annually.

Due to his ceiling on both offense and defense, Marrero has received comparisons to Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart. If he makes progress at the plate over his first two minor league seasons, Marrero could be good-to-go by the start of the 2015 season.

25. Richie Shaffer to Tampa Bay Rays

Position: 3B

Height/Weight: 6’3”/205 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 3/15/1991

College: Clemson

Year: JR

A strong season both at the plate and at third has Shaffer pegged as one of the top position prospects in the 2012 draft class. His hit tool profiles as one of the most consistent in the draft and should continue to improve; this should be lethal when paired with his present power. A right-handed hitter, Shaffer has quick wrists that yields impressive bat speed, and more importantly, he knows how to manipulate counts in his favor.

His defense at third base has vastly improved, and his bat is much more valuable there than at first base. He moves well in all directions at the hot corner, and takes an instinctual first step. However, his 60-grade arm may be the best of his defensive tools, as he has a clean arm stroke that delivers crisp, accurate throws.

His overall package has provoked comparisons to Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, though he may not have as high a ceiling. Still, he’s extremely projectable at the major league level and could be ready to contribute by late 2014.

26. Stryker Trahan to Arizona Diamondbacks

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6’1”/215

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 4/25/1994

High School: Acadiana (La.)

College Commitment: Mississippi

A physically strong yet agile catcher, there’s not a lot of projection left with Trahan. However, he does possess three specific tools that make him one of the top catching prospects in the nation.

Trahan, a left-handed hitter, already has plus power thanks to exceptional bat speed and a lofty swing. His hit tool has also shown improvement this spring, as he’s let pitches travel deeper and has utilized the whole field. He also has plus speed—an attribute that may one day command a shift to the outfield—and is an aggressive baserunner.

Finally, he possesses a plus arm with a quick stroke and solid-average accuracy. His agility and quick feet cater to his 1.9-second pop times, although his blocking and receiving skills are rather raw. Given his overall athleticism and trio of plus tools, Trahan is best compared to the Giants’ Buster Posey. If he’s able to stick at catcher, the Louisiana native may not arrive until 2017. However, if he’s converted to a different position, Trahan has the potential to bump up his ETA.

27. Clint Coulter to Milwaukee Brewers

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6’3”/220 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 7/30/1993

High School: Union (Wash.)

College Commitment: Arizona State

At 6’3”, 220 pounds, Clint Coulter is one of the more impressive physical specimens in the 2012 draft class. As a sophomore, he won the Washington state wrestling title at 189 pounds, recording a 39-1 record along the way. However, over the past year, Coulter has focused all of his attention on a career in baseball.

There’s a lot to dream about with his bat, as the right-handed hitter’s pure strength allows him to keep the bat head in the zone much longer than a prep player should be able to. He has plus raw power to all fields, although the bulk of it is concentrated to the pull side.

As a catcher, Coulter has a plus arm and gets linear carry on all his throws. His blocking and receiving skills are still a work in progress, but given his athleticism and desire to improve, he figures to be a quick learner. Obviously, Coulter no longer possesses the agility of a 189-pound wrestler, though he still moves surprisingly well behind the plate.

Coulter’s ceiling mirrors that of Mike Napoli, with excellent power potential and the skills to be a steadily improving defender behind the plate. However, it’ll take him some time to be ready defensively for the big leagues, so a 2016 debut is a safe prediction.

28. Victor Roache to Milwaukee Brewers

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’2”/225 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 9/17/1991

College: Georgia Southern

Year: JR

After belting 30 home runs in 2011, a year where offensive production was down throughout college baseball due to the implementation of BBCOR bats, Victor Roache suffered a broken wrist in the first week of the 2012 season that subsequently required surgery. However, he is expected to make a full recovery.

He has the most thump in his bat of any right-handed hitter in the draft thanks to quick wrists and an explosive weight transfer. He was able to cut down on his strikeouts in 2011, though I expect it will be a part of his game for the duration of his career.

Roache has enough speed and arm strength to stick in left field, though I wouldn’t be surprised if he ultimately moves to first base. His size and power warrants a strong comparison to the Phillies’ John Mayberry, Jr., and if Roache can stay healthy, he has the potential to reach the majors by late 2015.

29. Lewis Brinson to Texas Rangers

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’4”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 5/8/1994

High School: Coral Springs (Fla.)

College Commitment: Florida

A lanky and lean outfielder, Brinson is similar to D.J. Davis in the sense that he has all the natural athleticism in the world, but his baseball skills severely lag behind.

Brinson has outstanding speed that gives him plus range in center field in all directions. His reads and jumps could use some work, but that’s something he’ll learn with experience at a more advanced level. His arm is his weakest defensive tool, grading out as only average, but it plays well enough to stick in center field.

A right-handed hitter, Brinson has plus raw bat speed, although his swing tends to get too long at times. But with a long swing comes power, and the prep outfielder has plenty of that, especially against fastballs and to his pull side. His plate discipline is promising—and very necessary given his game-changing speed—yet he still chases and swings through too many offspeed pitches.

Due to his wiry-strong frame, plus speed and power potential, Brinson draws widespread comparisons to the Rockies’ Dexter Fowler—and will need a similar amount of development in the minor leagues. Therefore, Brinson may not reach the big leagues until the 2017 season.

30. Ty Hensley to New York Yankees

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’5”/220

Bats/Throws: S/R

DOB: 7/30/1993

High School: Santa Fe (Oklahoma)

College Commitment: Mississippi

With a power pitcher’s frame at 6’5”, 220 pounds, Hensley shot up the draft boards this spring. Throwing from a high arm slot, the right-hander consistently fires his fastball on a downward plane, which registers in the low 90s and doesn’t have a ton of movement at the moment. Once he adds some sink to the pitch, he’ll be able to rely less on striking out hitters.

His best pitch is definitely his breaking ball, a 12-to-6 knee-buckler with deceptive pace that he consistently throws for a strike. He also throws a changeup, though it’s not nearly as advanced as his curveball.

Henley’s father, Michael, was a third-round draft pick by the Astros out of high school in 1985, so the right-hander has favorable bloodlines on his side. Given his size, arm angle and plus-breaking ball, he’s been compared to Josh Beckett, though his ceiling isn’t nearly as high. Once he adopts at least one fastball variation, Henley could be in the majors by mid-to-late 2016 or early 2017.

31. Brian Johnson to Boston Red Sox

Position: LHP

Height/Weight: 6’4”/220 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/L

DOB: 12/7/1990

College: Florida

Year: JR

Despite being a standout two-way player for Florida, Johnson has considerably more upside on the mound. The broad-shouldered left-hander boasts a fastball that sits at 90-94 mph, as well as a variation that cuts and sinks at a few ticks lower.

Overall, Johnson exhibits command of four pitches, including a slider that ranges from an above-average to plus offering. He’s adept at attacking both right- and left-handed hitters and has shown an ability to work both sides of the plate with all his pitches.

His size, repeatable mechanics and pitch ability are comparable to C.J. Wilson’s, although I’m not entirely convinced he has as much upside. Still, Johnson is both left-handed and one of the more polished pitchers in the 2012 draft class. Look for him to reach the majors as early as late 2013 or early 2014.