We’re two picks into the 2012 MLB Draft, and already the mock drafts are out the window. The Astros unexpectedly chose high school shortstop Carlos Correa with the No.1 pick, and then the Twins took outfielder Byron Buxton at No. 2, as expected. That’s going to cause Mark Appel, who was widely thought likely to be the No. 1 overall pick, to fall at least to the Mariners, who suddenly have their pick of several high-upside pitchers. The Mariners have a lot of good pitching in their system already, which might or might not matter, but most mock drafts had connected the Mariners to Correa or University of Florida catcher Mike Zunino.
We’ll see if this scenario leads Appel or another pitcher, like San Francisco’s Kyle Zimmer, to fall to the Pirates at No. 8. It seems very unlikely now that they’re going to get the next top hitter, Florida high school outfielder Albert Almora.
For more on the MLB Draft, check out Minor League Ball.