2012 MLB Mock Draft: Last Minute Projections for Every MLB Team

With the MLB draft set to get started today, it's a good time to take a look at some first-round predictions.

Better late than never. 

The Major League Baseball draft, even more than other sports' drafts, is incredibly hard to predict. Because teams have deep minor league systems, it's almost impossible to predict which direction they will go.

Even in the first round.

With that being said, here's a look at my attempt at predicting the unpredictable first round of the MLB draft.

1. Houston Astros (56-106):  Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford 

Appel has been terrific this season for Stanford, compiling a 2.37 ERA and compiling 116 strikeouts in just 110 innings.

The Astros need immediate help, and Appel is a tremendous pitcher who has the chance giving Houston major-league help very soon.

2. Minnesota Twins (63-99): Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County High School (GA)

Buxton is a high-risk, high-reward player, but it will be hard for the Twins to pass on someone this talented.

He's still just 18 years old, and he'll take a while to make it to the majors, but passing up a potential five-tool player is just something you don't do. Minnesota will take the chance. 

3. Seattle Mariners (67-95): Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy

It's hard to predict what position a team will target, but the Mariners make it a little easier. With Danny Hultzen, James Paxton, and Taijuan Walker sitting in Double-A, Seattle has loads of pitching talent ready to hit the majors soon.

That means they will likely go after a hitter, and that means Carlos Correa, the exciting young shortstop, will be the pick at No. 3.

Not only does Correa possess the speed and throwing power to stay at the shortstop position, he projects as a big-time hitter. 

Mlbdraftinsider.com rates his power as a potential 60, and that's impressive for a shortstop. He has the size at 6'4," and it looks like he'll give the Mariners the powerful young bat they are looking for.

Seattle has shortstop Nick Franklin in the minors, and while Franklin looks solid, it will be hard to not draft Correa, who will remind Mariners fans of young Alex Rodriguez. 

4. Baltimore Orioles (69-93): Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU

Gausman has been terrific for the Tigers this season, going 11-1 with a 2.72 ERA and 128 strikeouts in 115 innings.

He has a great fastball to go along with a solid slider and changeup. The Orioles can go a number of different directions here, but Gausman is someone who can contribute right away

5. Kansas City Royals (71-91): Mike Zunino, C, Florida 

Even though there is more talent at the position than usual, finding an elite catcher is not an easy task in the major leagues. 

Zunino, who hit .313 and smashed 17 homers for Florida this season, is a smart pick for the Royals.  

6. Chicago Cubs (71-91): Albert Almora, OF, Marion Christian Academy (FL)

Almora is young and won't contribute for a while, but the Cubs need to improve a middle-of-the-pack farm system.

The young outfielder has a rocket arm and tremendous power at the plate. If he continues to improve his ability to get on base, he will be a stud in a couple of years.

7. San Diego Padres (71-91): Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake (CA)

The Padres have incredible depth in their farm system, so they can afford to take on a high-ceiling player who is still far away from the majors. 

Giolito, who is just 17 years old, is already 6'6" and 240 pounds. He has a menacing fastball and a knee-buckling curve.

He is a scary-talented prospect. 

8. Pittsburgh Pirates (72-90): Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State 

Marrero was disappointing at the plate this year, hitting just .268 with an on-base percentage of .366.

Still, there is no denying the talent this kid has both from a patience-at-the-plate standpoint and in the field. 

9. Miami Marlins (72-90): Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco 

Most people have Zimmer higher than this, but No. 9 overall is nothing to complain about. There is no way he'll fall out of the top 10. 

Zimmer is big, athletic, and his fastball and curveball are both plus pitches. He'll give the Marlins a terrific piece for their future rotation.

10. Colorado Rockies (73-89): Max Fried, LHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)  

The high-schooler still needs to add some bulk to his 6'4", 180-pound frame, but he has a fantastic curveball to go along with elite command.

As far as high school pitchers go, Fried is about as polished as you'll find. 

11. Oakland Athletics (74-88): Richie Shaffer, 3B, Clemson

I had Courtney Hawkins at this spot for a while, but it would be against Billy Beane's style to draft a player out of high school.

Instead, the A's will go with Richie Shaffer, who drew 63 works and had an on-base percentage of .483 for Clemson. 

12. New York Mets (77-85): Gavin Cecchini, SS, Barbe HS (LA) 

Cecchini is currently a defensive shortstop, but he has the speed and tools to eventually be an on-base machine in the future.

At 6'0", 175 pounds, he could eventually develop a little bit of power, too. 

13. Chicago White Sox (79-83): Courtney Hawkins, RF, Carroll HS (TX) 

Hawkins has the frame (6'3", 215 pounds) and athleticism to one day develop into the prototypical five-tool player.

The White Sox will roll the dice with this high-ceiling outfielder. 

14. Cincinnati Reds (79-83): Marcus Stroman, RHP, Duke

Stroman is the definition of a strikeout pitcher. En route to putting up a 2.39 ERA for Duke this season, he racked up 136 strikeouts in just 98 innings. That's about 12.5 per nine innings pitched.

The junior is a good choice for the Reds.

15. Cleveland Indians (80-82): Andrew Heaney, LHP, Oklahoma State

Talk about an impressive year.

In 2012, Heaney went 8-2 with a 1.60 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 118.1 innings. He was named a First-Team All-American and will likely be rewarded with a top-15 pick. 

16. Washington Nationals (80-81): Chris Stratton, RHP, Mississippi State 

Stratton struck out 127 batters in 109 innings this season. He has quite possibly the best slider in the draft, and the Nationals will add to their impressive core of young pitchers.

17. Toronto Blue Jays (81-81): Matt Smoral, LHP, Solon HS (OH) 

Even though he missed a good part of the season due to injury, Smoral's talent will be too hard to pass up for the Jays.

18. Los Angeles Dodgers (82-79): Lance McCullers, RHP, Jesuit HS (FL)

McCullers' fastball and slider both project as plus pitches, while his change should also develop into a solid pitch.

He needs to improve his command, but the Dodgers could use a young stud pitcher. 

19. *St. Louis Cardinals (90-72): Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M 

Simply put, Wacha is close to being MLB-ready.

His fastball and changeup are both impressive, and he can use his slider if necessary. Wacha also has sound mechanics and command.

In his junior season, Wacha put together a 9-1 record with a 2.06 ERA and 116 strikeouts compared to just 20 walks. 

Wacha doesn't have the potential some of these other prospects do, but he's a smart, effective pitcher who will be able to get to the majors by 2013 or '14. 

The Cards would do well to grab him here.

20. San Francisco Giants (86-76): Joey Gallo, 3B/RHP, Bishop Gorman HS (NV) 

The Giants need some power in their lineup, and Gallo is the definition of power.

As a mere high schooler, Gallo is already 6'4", 200 pounds and projects as an 80 in terms of power and 70 in terms of arm strength from third base.

It's hard to argue with that. The Giants should consider themselves lucky if they land this young stud.

21. Atlanta Braves (89-73): D.J. Davis, OF, Stone HS (MS)

Davis is absolutely lightning-quick.

He's only 6'0", 170, but his real worth will be covering a ton of ground in the outfield and stealing a slew of bases. 

The Stone High School product is a future leadoff hitter. 

22. **Toronto Blue Jays (81-81): Hunter Virant, LHP, Camarillo HS (CA)

Virant actually played as a switch-hitter in high school, but his real worth is as a lefty pitcher who has a great changeup and solid mechanics. 

The Blue Jays have a young and developing team, so they can afford to roll the dice on a high schooler. 

23. St. Louis Cardinals (90-72): Nolan Fontana, SS, Florida 

After taking a starting pitcher with their first pick, the Cardinals will look to add a solid hitter at a premier position.

Fontana doesn't possess a ton of power, but he has fantastic defense (.976 fielding percentage) and can hit for average (.290, 45 walks to just 25 strikeouts).

24. Boston Red Sox (90-72): Carson Kelly, 3B, Westview HS (OR) 

Kelly, who could potentially be drafted as a pitcher, has good size and a good arm at third base. The young kid possesses a lot of power and has all-important versatility that will make a him a first-round pick.

25. Tampa Bay Rays (91-71): Clint Coulter, C, Union HS (WA)

The big catcher out of Washington doesn't have much speed, but he has a solid arm behind the plate and projects to hit with some serious power.

Throw in the ability to hit for average, and Coulter is an enticing prospect for a catcher.

26. Arizona Diamondbacks (94-68):  Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (FL)

Russell doesn't project to be elite in any one area, but he should be average to above-average both at the plate and in the field, where he can play third base or shorstop. 

At 6'0", 214 pounds, Russell already has a good amount of muscle and should be able to progress through the minors rather quickly.

27. ***Milwaukee Brewers (96-66): Corey Seager, 3B, Northwest Carrabus HS (NC)

If Kyle Seager's little brother can hit anything like big bro, the Brewers will get a steal here.

Seager has great size (6'3", 205 pounds) and can hit for average. He also has solid power and speed. 

28. Milwaukee Brewers (96-66): Zach Eflin, RHP, Hagerty HS (FL)

Eflin already has a plus-fastball that sits in the mid-90s to go along with a developing curveball and changeup. 

He needs to improve his command and mechanics, but at 6-foot-5, Eflin has the chance to turn into a menacing pitcher.

29. Texas Rangers (96-66): Lucas Sims, RHP, Brookwood HS (GA) 

The Rangers have a slew of hitters and even some more talented ones down on the farm. Their pitchers aren't bad either, but they would be well served to improve the depth.

Enter Lucas Sims, who is a long way away from contributing but has top-notch potential.

30. New York Yankees (97-65): Pierce Johnson, RHP, Missouri State

The skinny righty had a tremendous 2012 for the Bears. He only finished 4-6, but it's hard to argue with a 2.53 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 99 innings.

He would be well served to add some weight, but Johnson is very close to being major-league ready.

For a Yankees squad that is so thin in the starting rotation, Johnson makes a lot of sense.

31. ****Boston Red Sox (90-72): Stephen Piscotty, 3B, Stanford

Piscotty doesn't have tools that will make most scouts drool, but he's a solid player who can make a quick run to the major leagues.

The young third baseman hit.290 this season, but he had an on-base percentage of .405 and a slugging percentage of .463.

*Compensation from Los Angeles Angels for Albert Pujols
**Compensation for failing to sign 2011 first-round pick Tyler Beede
***Compensation from Detroit for Prince Fielder
****Compensation from Philadelphia for Jonathan Papelbon

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2012 NBA Mock Draft: High-Flying Stars in Late First Round

You probably already know who the top prospects in this year's NBA draft are, so I won't bore you by highlighting them extensively.

Instead, let's talk about several prospects at the end of the first round who have NBA Jam potential.

That's right, the high-flyers, mid-air contortionists, power dunkers and highlight reels in the making. The guys who finish their dunks accompanied by "oooohs" and "aaaaaahs" from the crowd.

I've found three guys toward the end of this draft that should live above the rim. Enjoy the highlights.

1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, PF (Kentucky)

Not only do they get a franchise player of the future, he might be enough to keep Eric Gordon in town. The Hornets can draft one stud and potentially retain another. Suddenly, things are looking up in New Orleans.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF (Kentucky) 

Charlotte has options here, but I think they'll go for the guy with the most upside. Even if he never becomes an elite scoring option, MKG is a complete player who will help the team in just about every area.

3. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, PF (Kansas)    

This could also be Bradley Beal, but I think the fact that Robinson can step in right away and contribute next year alongside John Wall will make him the pick. Don't be surprised if Robinson is Rookie of the Year next season.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG (Florida)  

Beal is the perfect complement to Kyrie Irving in the backcourt, and the pair will be a dominant duo for the next decade.

5. Sacramento Kings: Perry Jones III, PF (Baylor)

If there was a point guard worth taking this high here, that would be the pick. But since there isn't, adding a power forward to pair with DeMarcus Cousins should be the direction this team heads in. He may be risky, but no other player at this point has the potential upside at the position of Jones.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey):  Andre Drummond, C (Connecticut)  

With Hasheem Thabeet looking like a bust, the Trail Blazers should roll the dice on the immensely athletic but often underachieving Drummond. If he ever ratchets up his intensity, he could be a true force inside for Portland.

7. Golden State Warriors (from Utah): Harrison Barnes, SF (North Carolina)

This pick is as obvious as any in the draft. Needing a scoring option on the wing, the Warriors will snatch up Barnes, easily the most consistent scoring option at small forward in this draft.

8. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG (Connecticut) 

The Raptors could go any number of directions, but adding a silky-smooth jump shooter like Lamb makes a lot of sense. He moves without the ball like Richard Hamilton and is almost as good a catch-and-shoot option as Barnes.

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF (Ohio State)

He isn't the sexiest option available, but he'll rebound, play solid defense and provide points in the paint. His offensive game will be limited at the next level, but he'll find a way to give a team 12 to 15 points a night.

10. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota): Damian Lillard, PG (Weber State)   

Unless the team is satisfied with the play of Jarrett Jack moving forward, adding a point guard should be a priority. With Lillard, Jack and Eric Gordon rotating in the backcourt, the Hornets will have three players capable of handling the ball and scoring the rock.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kendall Marshall, PG (North Carolina)

Raymond Felton has not produced in Portland and this team needs a solid point guard moving forward. Marshall won't score many points in the NBA, but he'll collect assists.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, C (North Carolina) 

And with this pick, Andrew Bogut has been replaced.

13. Phoenix Suns:  Dion Waiters, SG (Syracuse)   

His upside is that of a poor man's Dwyane Wade. Not a bad upside.

14. Houston Rockets: John Henson, PF (North Carolina)  

He'll need to continue evolving his offensive game to be a complete player, but he'll certainly rebound and block his fair share of shots in the NBA.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Austin Rivers, SG (Duke) 

This pick may not make sense if Lou Williams stays in Philly, but he's a restricted free agent and could be gone. With the Sixers desperately needing an elite scoring option, adding Rivers—who should be able to score in the NBA in the vein of a Monta Ellis—is an attractive possibility.

16. Houston Rockets (via New York):  Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois)

He's a project, but when your primary option at center is Sammy Dalembert, you should be willing to take a chance on a a project.

17. Dallas Mavericks:  Terrence Jones, PF (Kentucky)    

Dallas should take the best available player with this pick. While I don't know who they will deem that player to be, on my board it would be Jones.

18.  Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah):  Terrence Ross, SG (Washington)  

If Ross falls to them at 18, the Wolves should run to the podium. He would instantly fix this team's need for a solid 2-guard.

19. Orlando Magic:   Quincy Miller, SF (Baylor)  

He's a project, but if he develops, he could be one of the steals of this draft. He's got game.

20. Denver Nuggets: Arnett Moultrie, PF (Mississippi State)

He may go in the top 10 when all is said and done. He should be a double-double machine at the next level.

21. Boston Celtics: Moe Harkless, PF (St. John's)  

Harkless averaged 15.3 points and 8.6 rebounds as a freshman, and he may end up going higher than this. He could be a sneaky steal if he does drop to the Celtics, and he flashes surprising athleticism for a man his size.

I could see him having an impact at the 3 or 4 next season, and he should make an instant impact in Boston next year.

22. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Jeffery Taylor, SG (Vanderbilt)  

A long player on the wing that plays plus defense and shoots a high percentage from the perimeter? Sounds like a Boston player to me.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Tony Wroten, Jr., PG (Washington)

He's more a combo guard than a pure point, but his size, defensive abilities and athleticism make him a very appealing prospect.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Fab Melo, C (Syracuse)

For a player who earned Big East Defender of the Year and is a solid shot-blocker, Melo sure doesn't rebound well. He also has a rather unpolished offensive game, making him the definition of the term "project."

25.  Memphis Grizzlies:  Royce White, SF (Iowa State) 

White is a strong kid who has great burst and explodes off the floor with the ability to finish powerfully at the hoop.

He averaged 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds last season and was potent in the NCAA tournament, turning heads in the NBA. And with his ability to finish strong at the rack, he'll put a few opponents on posters in his career.

He's also had character concerns in the past, a well-documented anxiety disorder and a fear of flying, so he has his concerns. But at this point in the draft, he's worth the risk.

26.  Indiana Pacers: Marquis Teague, PG (Kentucky)

Teague has a long way to go before he's a pure point guard, but he's better than people think after being overshadowed on Kentucky's talented roster.

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, PF (Michigan State)

His ability to rebound and be a plus passer at the power forward position makes him an intriguing option in Miami.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder:  Andrew Nicholson, PF (St. Bonaventure)  

He's NBA-ready and is a solid scoring and rebounding option. A nice find for OKC here.

29. Chicago Bulls: Will Barton, SG (Memphis)

Last year's Conference USA Player of the Year averaged 18.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season. He's versatile, extremely athletic and a solid defender, and yet he's not a first-round prospect in a lot of mock drafts I've read.

I don't get it. If I were a general manager in the later portion of the draft, he'd be on my radar.

Frankly, I think he's a perfect fit in Chicago. Don't be surprised to see Barton finish a few Derrick Rose lobs next season.

30. Golden State Warriors (via San Antonio): Doron Lamb, SG (Kentucky)

Lamb has limited upside, but he's one of the better shooters in this draft. He's worth a look at this point in the draft.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets are more transparent than the NBA draft lottery.

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MLB Draft 2012: Last Minute Ranking of the Top Prep Players Available

The 2012 Major League Baseball draft starts on Monday and this year's class has a ton of talent. Here is a look at the best players in what is an extremely deep high school crop.

1. Byron Buxton, CF, Appling High School, Baxley, Georgia

Buxton is the best high schooler available in this year's draft, and his impressive array of tools makes him a premium prospect. He is incredibly fast, has an athletic body at 6'1" and 175 pounds and a plus arm. That means he'll be able to stick in center, and his swing produces a lot of contact and could lead to power in the future. 

Taking toolsy high school guys at the top of the draft is always risky, but if Buxton pans out, he could be a perennial All-Star.

2. Carlos Correa, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico

While Buxton sits atop this list, Correa isn't far behind. He's 6'4" and 190 pounds, which means he may outgrow shortstop but has the range and all-around skills to be a plus-plus defender at third base. The thing that makes Correa special is his picture-perfect swing. 

Correa has big-time power potential and an advanced approach for a high schooler. Plus, he's only 17 and has plenty of room to grow and add some bulk. He's likely ticketed for third base in the future but should hit well enough to be a good fit there.

3. Max Fried, LHP, Harvard-Westlake, Studio City, California

At 6'3" and 170 pounds, Fried has room to grow and lots of projection. He currently sits in the 89-93 mph range but will likely be able to add a few ticks to that in the future. He also pitches out of an arm slot that helps him hide the ball, meaning his fastball looks even harder than it actually is.

Fried adds a sharp, downward curveball and he has a great changeup. He is an outstanding athlete, and his repeatable delivery and ability to consistently throw strikes will make him a hot commodity on draft day. Expect him to come off the board early and move quickly through the minors.

4. Albert Almora, CF, Mater Academy, Charter, Hialeah Florida

Almora has one of the most polished high school bats in this draft, and he has an advanced approach and feel for hitting. He is an above-average defender in center and is a decent runner as well. At 6'2" and 170 pounds, he has decent size and should be able to stick in center.

Luckily, Almora has shown an ability to hit with wood bats and has no problem squaring the ball up and with his raw strength, he should produce home runs moving forward. He will almost certainly be the second prep outfielder to come off the board and could be the second high schooler gone. 

5. Luc Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake, Studio City, California

Giolito is an enigma because of his injury history but if he had stayed healthy, he could have been the No. 1 overall pick this year. He is 6'6", 230 pounds and has a golden arm. Giolitio was touching triple-digits earlier in the year before an elbow injury sidelined him for most of the season.

Not only does Giolito have a professional body already, he has an advanced feel for a great curve but needs to develop an inconsistent changeup. His health is the issue; if teams are comfortable with medical reports on his elbow, he'll come off the board fast. He could have as much upside as any player in this year's draft.

Just missed the cut: Courtney Hawkings, OF, Carroll High School, Corpus Christi, Texas; Zach Eflin, RHP, Hagerty High School, Oviedo Florida; Gavin Cecchini, SS, Barbe High School, Lake Charles, Louisiana; Addison Russell, SS, Pace High School, Pensacola, Florida. 

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