Carlos Correa: How Astros Shortstop Stacks Up Against Recent MLB No. 1 Picks

The Houston Astros surprised the baseball world by drafting Puerto Rican shortstop Carlos Correa with the first overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft.

After floating out rumors that they would be selecting Stanford pitcher Mark Appel, the Astros switched things up and went with Correa, the smooth-swinging, laser-throwing 17 year old. And although Appel is the more MLB-ready product, I absolutely love Houston's decision.

Correa has a seemingly limitless ceiling, and the comparisons to Alex Rodriguez are certainly valid.

Correa's frame (6'3", 190 pounds), ridiculous arm (throws 97 mph across the infield) and ability to hit for power and average make him one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory.

But how does the young slugger compare to recent No.1 overall picks? Let's examine.

Tim Beckham, SS, Tampa Bay Rays

Correa is reminiscent of Beckham, the 2008 No. 1 pick, in many ways.

Aside from the obvious similarity of their position, Beckham was also drafted first overall as a somewhat unproven high schooler. He tantalized scouts with his power hitting and ability to get on base with regularity. He also dazzled with his strong throwing arm, sound defensive techniques and coach-pleasing intangibles.

Unfortunately, Beckham has been underwhelming in the minors, hitting just .263 in 440 minor league games. He's also currently serving a 50-game suspension for marijuana use, which certainly won't help his chances of getting called up.

Let's hope that Correa can make some better decisions once he reaches the minors.

Bryce Harper, RF, Washington Nationals

Correa isn't as polished or as powerful as Harper was coming out of high school, but his massive potential is certainly similar.

After being selected first overall in 2010, Harper ripped through the minors. In two seasons, he hit 18 homeruns, scored 71 runs and batted .290 in 534 plate appearances. Once he was called up to the majors, he continued his success, hitting .288 with five homers in his first 32 big league games.

Correa will likely need more than two seasons in the minors, but I'm expecting comparable numbers from him on both levels.

Justin Upton, RF, Arizona Diamondbacks

The Astros should be thrilled if Correa can carve out a similar career path as Upton.

Although I doubt he'll be transformed from a shortstop to a right fielder like his predecessor, Correa can learn from Upton's poise at a young age.

After dominating for two seasons in the minors, Upton became the youngest active player in the MLB when he was called up as a 19 year old. Despite a lackluster start to his career, he showed his promise in the playoffs, batting .357 in 14 postseason at-bats as a rookie.

Again, Correa will probably stay in the minors for longer than two years. But if he keeps working hard and refrains from stupid decisions, he can quickly rise to All-Star status like Upton.