This isn't particularly surprising, but it's still worth noting here: With the first overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Houston Astros appear set to pick Stanford pitcher Mark Appel.
There had previously been perhaps a bit of drama left in the question of whether the Astros would pick Appel or Georgia outfielder Byron Buxton, but most mock drafts had Appel in the top spot, with Buxton likely going to the Twins at No. 2.
Of course, we still have no idea who will be available to the Pirates at No. 8, or who they'll pick once they get there. At this point, though, more uncertainty is good. Assuming the first two picks do go Appel/Buxton, as expected, Pirates fans will be hoping for one of the next five teams to make some sort of off-the-grid selection, allowing someone like University of Florida catcher Mike Zunino or Florida high school outfielder Albert Almora to fall to the Bucs. Unfortunately, it appears the Astros won't be one of the teams doing something strange.