2012 MLB Draft Grades: Full Round 1 Report Card and Results

Wow. What a night.

Now that the initial shock of the first round of the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft has worn off (somewhat), it’s much easier to digest each team’s selections and assess whether they came out on top.

For the most part, teams were incredibly practical in who they drafted, especially with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that limits each team’s spending and forces them to draft within a budget.

While it’s easy to assume that the teams who drafted multiple times on Monday night were the big winners, it’s not necessarily true. Rather, there were several teams who made a bigger splash with their lone pick than other teams did with two or three.

So, using many of my notes from last night’s liveblog, I have reconfigured many of my original grades and ultimately assigned each team a grade for their first-round picks.

Houston Astros: A

1.1 Houston Astros: Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (P.R.)

Grade: A+

The Astros jumped over Appel and Buxton and select the top infielder on the board. There were rumors that this might happen, but everyone expected them to go with the safe pick in Appel.

1S.41 Houston Astros: Lance McCullers, RHP, Tampa Jesuit HS (Fla.)

Grade: A

After drafting Correa, the Astros drafted a pitcher with some of the best pure stuff on the board. McCullers has signability concerns, but them drafting him is a strong indication that they believe he will sign.

Minnesota Twins: B

1.2: Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County HS (Ga.)

Grade: A

Wow. Everyone though it would be Appel at 1.1 and Buxton would fall into the Twins lap at No. 2. Well, they still got their man, just not in the order they expected. Great addition to the Twins system. Buxton is as five-tool of a player that there is in the 2012 draft class, and I'm sure everyone in Minnesota is rejoicing. 

1S.32: Minnesota Twins: J.O. Berrios, Papa Juan XXIII HS (Puerto Rico)

Grade: B

Promising arm with a lot of upside. Mid-90s fastball with decent breaking ball; however, his mechanics are raw and inconsistent, but that's something that can be ironed out in the minor leagues. Good pick by the Twins right here.

1S.42 Minnesota Twins: Luke Bard, RHP, Georgia Tech

Grade: C+

I'm pretty surprised that the Twins took Bard here given his injury, but he's a safe pick as the Twinkies now have him and Berrios in the supplemental round.

Seattle Mariners: A-

1.3 Seattle Mariners: Mike Zunino, C, Florida

Grade: A-

Mariners' fans might groan at this one, as it prompts painful memories of when they drafted Jeff Clement. However, he has tremendous upside at the plate and could move quickly through the Mariners system

Baltimore Orioles: A

1.4 Baltimore Orioles: Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU

Grade: A

He's a power pitcher who's been clocked in the high-90s and consistently sits in the mid-90s. His offspeed pitches will continue to develop. Wow. The Orioles add Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman in back-to-back years. Well done, O's.

Kansas City Royals: A

1.5 Kansas City Royals: Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco

Grade: A

Great pick for the Royals here. I'm sure that they're pumped they got him, as he's another arm with tremendous upside and little mileage.

Chicago Cubs: B+

1.6 Chicago Cubs: Albert Almora, OF, Mater Academy HS (Fla.)

Grade: A

After Buxton, Almora is without a doubt the best outfielder on the board. The Cubs have been linked to him for some time now, so no big surprise with his selection.

1S.43 Chicago Cubs: Pierce Johnson, RHP, Missouri State

Grade: B+

A safe pick who still possesses some intriguing upside. He has a plus fastball and breaking ball (possibly even a double-plus) and is wiry athletic. A very good pick for the Cubs right here.

1S.56 Chicago Cubs: Paul Blackburn, RHP, Heritage HS (Calif.)

Grade: B-

He's a pitcher with a low-90s fastball and three-pitch mix, but I think he may be a hard player to sign due to his strong commitment. 

San Diego Padres: A-

1.7 San Diego Padres: Max Fried, LHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (Calif.)

Grade: A

The top left-hander on the board is a great pick for the Padres. Tremendous command and pitchability for his age and experience. Extremely high ceiling.

1S.33 San Diego Padres: Zach Eflin, RHP, Hagerty HS (Fla.)

Grade: A-

Eflin is 6'5" with a mid-90s fastball and possibly the best changeup among all high school pitchers. He's healthy and has great upside. He'll continue developing and this could be one of the better steals of the early rounds

1S.43 San Diego Padres: Travis Jankowski, OF, Stony Brook

Grade: A-

Really like this pick, as Jankowski has true potential to be a top-of-the-order player. He has plus speed with the potential to stick in center, and is an adept basestealer. Can definitely cover some ground at PetCo!

1S.55 San Diego Padres: Walker Weickel, RHP, Olympia HS (Fla.)

Grade: B-

I think he has enough upside to receive an "A" grade, but I don't know if the Padres will be able to sign him this late.

Pittsburgh Pirates: A-

1.8 Pittsburgh Pirates: Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

Grade: A-

Well, he didn't go No. 1 overall as everyone thought he would, but the fact the Pirates got him at No. 8 is a huge steal. However, there are some signability concerns. The Pirates' system is now loaded with Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon—looks like they'll have quite the 2015 pitching staff. 

Miami Marlins: A

1.9 Miami Marlins: Andrew Heaney, LHP, Oklahoma State

Grade: A

The top collegiate left-hander on the board and second-best left-hander after Fried, he'll be an excellent complement to Jose Fernandez, the team's first-round selection in 2011. Heaney has pitchability and excellent command, and he was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year.

Colorado Rockies: B+

1.10 Colorado Rockies: David Dahl, OF, Oak Mountain HS (Ala.)

Grade: B+

Dahl is a top-of-the-order guy with at least average tools across the board. He has plus speed and defensive skills and an above-average hit tool, but his power remains suspect. However, it could develop by the time he reaches the Major Leagues.

1S.46 Colorado Rockies: Eddie Butler, RHP, Radford

Grade: B+

A power arm whose fastball scrapes the upper-90s and has two-pitch mix; profiles as either a starter and a reliever. Interesting pick for the Rockies.

Oakland Athletics: A-

1.11 Oakland Athletics: Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (Fla.)

Grade: A

The A's don't get an A-grade here due to the risk, but Russell has tremendous upside and has proven his dedication. I think he can stick at an up-the-middle position. It says a lot that the A's drafted a prep player, so you have to believe he's signable. 

1S.34: Oakland Athletics: Daniel Robertson, 3B, Upland HS (Calif.)

Grade: A-

I thought the A's would get a third baseman at some point, and that's exactly what they did here. I'm still kind of in disbelief that the A's have selected back-to-back high school players. Regardless, I like it. Robertson has unbelievable plate discipline for a prep hitter. 

1S.47 Oakland Athletics: Matt Olson, 1B, Parkview HS (Ga.)

Grade: B

Another high-upside prep player with some exciting power. He also is an exceptional pitcher and garnered plenty of looks there, but I agree with Oakland in that his most potential comes at the plate. 

New York Mets: B+

1.12 New York Mets: Gavin Cecchini, SS, Barbe HS (La.)

Grade: A-

In my opinion, he's the best shortstop in the 2012 draft class after Correa, and this is a great pick for the Mets. Their system is devoid of a shortstop with a high-ceiling, and Cecchini solves this problem. One of the best hit tools in the entire draft class with plus speed.

1S.35 New York Mets: Kevin Plawecki, C, Purdue

Grade: B

An all-around solid catcher whose tools play up due to his hustle and aggressiveness on the field. He's a sound defender and nearly impossible to strike out.

Chicago White Sox: B

1.13 Chicago White Sox: Courtney Hawkins, OF, Carroll HS (Texas)

Grade: B

The White Sox love their toolsy prep outfield prospects, although this is the first time they've ever gone all-in on one in the first round. Therefore, I'm giving the White Sox (the team I root for) a "B" due to the high-risk, high-reward pick. He has some of the best power in the 2012 draft class due to tremendous bat speed. He has plus speed and a plus arm and is one of the more impressive athletes in the entire draft class.

And yes, folks, he can do a back flip with the best of them.

S.48 Chicago White Sox: Keon Barnum, 1B, King HS (Fla.)

Grade: B

Barnum has insane power, but there's also a lot of swing-and-miss in his game. If he can develop as many hope—wow, big-time steal.

Cincinnati Reds: B

1.14 Cincinnati Reds: Nick Travieso, RHP, Archbishop McCarthy HS (Fla.)

Grade: B

Does he project more as a starter or reliever? Only time will tell. One thing that's certain: he has a big-league arm with a plus fastball. His release point is iffy, but dude is a beast and durable. Giving the Reds pick a "B" grade due to the high-risk nature of the pick and because it's a slight overdraft.

1S.49 Cincinnati Reds: Jesse Winkler, OF, Olympia HS (Fla.)

Grade: B

An outfielder with pop from the left-side who possesses some quiet athleticism. He drew first-round consideration but slipped due to a lackluster spring season. 

1S.57 Cincinnati Reds: Jeff Gelalich, OF, UCLA

Grade: B+

I really like this pick. Gelalich a toolsy outfielder who has some intriguing upside. He's a safe pick, but that doesn't mean he's short on projectability.

Cleveland Indians: B+

1.15 Cleveland Indians: Tyler Naquin, OF, Texas A&M

Grade: B+

So much for the Tribe selecting a college pitcher, right? They sure fooled all of us! He's one of the safest offensive players in the draft who possesses an above-average hit tool and speed, as well as a plus arm in the outfield—an absolute HOSE. Surprising pick, but a good one by the Indians.

Washington Nationals: A+

1.16 Washington Nationals: Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (Calif.)

Grade: A+

Wow. I thought he'd last one more pick until the Blue Jays at No. 17, but if they can sign him, this is an absolute steal for the Nationals. I don't care about the injury concerns; he may need Tommy John surgery at some point—so what? Most hard-throwing guys do these days. In my opinion, he's the best player in the draft and could now be part of one of the best systems in baseball.

Toronto Blue Jays: A-

1.17 Toronto Blue Jays: D.J. Davis, OF, Stone County HS (Miss.)

Grade: B+

One of the toolsiest players in the draft class who possesses 80-grade speed, his baseball skills don't lag behind as much as some people think. His bat has come a long way over the last year and he's a great fit in the Blue Jays' system.

1.22 Toronto Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman, RHP, Duke

Grade: A

An absolute steal being able to draft Stroman here, especially after already drafting D.J. Davis. He has two plus pitches in a high-90s fastball and devastating slider, despite being only 5-foot-9. Assuming that he's drafted as a reliever, Stroman is a guy who could be in the major leagues this season. He should have a Chris Sale-like ascent to the Major Leagues.

1S.50 Toronto Blue Jays: Matt Smoral, LHP, Solon HS (Ohio)

Grade: B

The 6'8" left-hander has mid-90s gas and a plus slider. However, a stress fracture in his foot forced him to miss almost the entire spring, and this is a steal. But can he be signed here? He has the potential to be one of the biggest steals in the draft so far. 

1S.58 Toronto Blue Jays: Mitch Nay, 3B, Hamilton HS (Ariz.)

Grade: A-

If the Blue Jays can sign Nay, this is a fantastic pick. He has serious power potential and a highly projectable frame. I'm a big fan of this pick. Blue Jays' fans: Hope he can be signed. 

1S.60 Toronto Blue Jays: Tyler Gonzales, RHP, James Madison HS (Texas)

Grade: B+

Not the typical power pitcher's frame, but boy, he has some great stuff. A plus fastball and slider combo and a lightning-quick arm. I'm really impressed with the Blue Jays' haul on Day One. Congrats to them, because if they can sign a majority of these guys, they'll posses the best farm system in baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers: A-

1.18 Los Angeles Dodgers: Corey Seager, SS/3B, Northwest Cabarrus HS (N.C.)

Grade: A

Seager has one of the sexiest left-handed swings in the entire draft class, and if he's signable, this is a steal for the Dodgers. The Dodgers went with pitchers in the first round the last two years, and drafting Seager's bat was a very wise decision. I thought they'd take a power arm in Ty Hensley, but this is a great pick. He's going to be an impressive hitter once he's fully developed.

1S.51 Los Angeles Dodgers: Jesmuel Valentin, SS/2B, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (P.R.)

Grade: A-

A toolsy middle infielder who's also a talented switch hitter. A lot of upside on both ends of the ball and I think that this kid has the potential to be an impressive big-league infielder. Really like this pick.

St. Louis Cardinals: B

1.19 St. Louis Cardinals: Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M

Grade: B

A very safe pick for the Cardinals, who have a multitude of picks in the first round. He's a mid-rotation arm with a low-to-mid-90s fastball and and a plus change—the best in the draft. However, he lacks a breaking ball which will be essential at the professional level. This pick sets up the Cardinals to go with riskier, high-upside picks from here on out. Not an outstanding pick, but a solid one by the Cardinals.

1.23 St. Louis Cardinals: James Ramsey, OF, Florida State

Grade: C

He's a gamer and fits the Cardinals' style of player, although I think this is a big over-draft. He's not particularly toosly and is a bit of a tweener, but he's a well-rounded player. I would have expected them to maybe take a player like Mitch Haniger or Barrett Barnes over Ramsey, but they could have done much worst. A senior, he is a no-doubt sign and shows the impact of the new CBA. Personally, I was thinking they'd go with Stanford's Stephen Piscotty right here.

1S.36 St. Louis Cardinals: Stephen Piscotty, 3B/LF, Stanford

Grade: B+

He's definitely signable and should hit for much better power now that he's free from Stanford's bogus hitting philosophy. I was thinking that either the Cards or Braves would take him, but still wasn't expecting him to go this late.

1S.52 St. Louis Cardinals: Patrick Wisdom, 3B, St. Mary's

Grade: B

His stock took a hit due to a rough spring, but he has a successful track record and big-league frame. A bit of an overdraft, but the Cardinals are drafting guys who they believe will sign. 

1S.59 St. Louis Cardinals: Steve Bean, C, Rockwall HS (Texas)

Grade: A

Bean is one of my favorite catchers on the board. Highly athletic with a cannon for an arm and some power from the left side of the plate. He could wind up in the outfield, too.

San Francisco Giants: A

1.20 San Francisco Giants: Chris Stratton, RHP, Mississippi State

Grade: A

I'm really surprised that he made it this far, and I'm sure the Giants are, too. However, they have to be ecstatic that he made it to them. He has a plus fastball with arguably the best slider in the draft class, though he'll have to rely on it a bit less at the professional level. However, he's an experienced, durable arm who has the potential to reach the major leagues by 2015.

Atlanta Braves: B+

1.21 Atlanta Braves: Lucas Sims, RHP, Brookwood HS (Ga.)

Grade: B+

I really like this pick here, although I expected them to go with a safe, signable college bat. He's highly athletic with a plus fastball with steadily improving off-speed pitches and, most importantly, a high ceiling. He's a local boy, so this is an all-around win for both parties. Gotta respect a dude who sings Milli Vanilli on national television, too. 

Boston Red Sox: B

1.24 Boston Red Sox: Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State

Grade: C+

You can't blame the Red Sox for going with the safe pick with their first of three in the first round, and I'm sure they were happy to have him slide that far. His hit tool is highly concerning, and he'll never hit for much power, but he's a plus defender with a plus arm. He's an aggressive ballplayer who fits the Red Sox system. Then again, don't they already have a Marrero-like player in Jose Iglesias?

1.31 Boston Red Sox: Brian Johnson, LHP, Florida

Grade: B

Johnson is a safe pick here for the Red Sox, and, in my opinion, another overdraft. I think he'd be around for their next pick. He's a polished southpaw with pitchability, though his pure stuff will never wow anyone. He may be one of the first pitchers from the 2012 draft class to reach the major leagues. 

1S.37 Boston Red Sox: Pat Light, RHP, Monmouth

Grade: B+

A 6'6" right-hander with a power fastball but inconsistent results. He's got good stuff and is extremely projectable, so the Red Sox are clearly hoping that he can put it all together for them at the professional level.

Tampa Bay Rays: A-

1.25 Tampa Bay Rays: Richie Shaffer, 3B, Clemson

Grade: A-

He can basically play any corner position and has arguably the best power among collegiate hitters in the 2012 draft class. The Rays are smart with their draft picks and this is another one to add to the list. He's a well-rounded ballplayer with a high-ceiling despite having played at the collegiate level. I'm a big fan of Shaffer and this pick.

Arizona Diamondbacks: B+

1.26 Arizona Diamondbacks: Stryker Trahan, C, Acadiana HS (La.)

Grade: B+

Owner of one of the best baseball names in the draft, Trahan is a highly athletic catcher who should be able to stick behind the dish. He has some excellent power from the left-side of the plate and is an above-average runner. In addition, he has a strong arm that profiles well both behind the plate and in the outfield. The DBacks had to wait until No. 26 and are walking away with one of the best catchers in the entire draft class.

Milwaukee Brewers: A-

1.27 Milwaukee Brewers: Clint Coulter, C, Union HS (Wash.)

Grade: A-

I believe Coulter is the best catcher in the draft class, as he's a tremendous athlete for his size with exceptional raw power. He's a big dude, but he has what it takes to stick behind the plate. Everyone and their mother had him going to the Brewers, so not a big surprise there. Regardless, a steal for the Brewers at this point.

1.28 Milwaukee Brewers: Victor Roache, OF, Georgia Southern

Grade: B+

The Brewers are all-in on power bats, so not a big shocker that they went with Roache over Gallo right here, who's much more signable. He has tremendous power, especially to his pull-side, that projects at the next level. He broke his wrist and required surgery early in the spring, but that obviously that isn't overly concerning to the Brewers. This is a bargain for the Brewers and one of the best steals of the draft thus far. Nicely done with Nos. 27 and 28, Brew Crew.

1S.38 Milwaukee Brewers: Mitch Haniger, OF, Cal Poly

Grade: A

Another knock-out pick for the Brewers, who are stock piling some great bats thus far. He's toolsy with some projectable power, and this might be my favorite of their picks.

Texas Rangers: A-

1.29 Texas Rangers: Lewis Brinson, OF, Coral Springs HS (Fla.)

Grade: A-

Considering that they had to wait until the 29th pick to finally make a selection, Brinson is a high-risk, high-reward steal right here. He's arguably as toolsy and athletic as Byron Buxton, though his baseball skills are less advanced. The Rangers are assembling one of the better farm systems in baseball, and this kid could be an impact big-leaguer if given enough time to develop in the minor leagues.

1S.39 Texas Rangers: Joey Gallo, 3B/RHP, Bishop Gorman HS (Nev.)

Grade: A

Assuming they can sign him, this is a great pick. He's about as high-risk, high-reward as they come in this draft, as Gallo possesses 80-grade power and plus, mid-to-upper-90s velocity on the mound.

1S.52 Texas Rangers: Collin Wiles, RHP, Blue Valley West HS (Kan.)

Grade: B

Kind of a creative, shot-in-the-dark pick here with Wiles, who has a solid fastball-slider combination. I know as little about him as you do, don't worry. 

New York Yankees: A

1.30 New York Yankees: Ty Hensley, RHP, Sante Fe HS (Okla.)

Grade: A

I'm really surprised that he slipped all the way down to No. 30, so consider this a steal for the Yankees. He's a power pitcher with a quick arm and impressive arsenal of mid-90s fastball and hammer breaking ball, as well as a changeup that's come along nicely. He's an impressive athlete for his size, and also showed upside as a position prospect. If you are a Yankees fan, there's definitely reason to be excited about this pick.

Philadelphia Phillies: B+

1S.40 Philadelphia Phillies: Shane Watson, RHP, Lakewood HS (Calif.)

Grade: B+

I'm surprised Watson fell this far, but it's a steal for the Phillies with their first pick, and he should be signable.

1S.54 Philadelphia Phillies: Mitch Gueller, RHP, W.F. West HS (Wash.)

Grade: A-

Possibly the best athlete in the Northwest, Gueller received looks as both a pitcher and position player. He has a great arm with a lot of upside, and this is another solid selection by the Phillies with their second pick.