Well Cubs Fans, It's Time to Look at Possible #1 Picks for the 2012 Draft

The Cubs are the 2nd worst team in baseball and will most likely battle the Astros for the 1st pick in the 2012 amateur draft. In a draft that is looking to be heavy on college pitching and high school hitting, here are some names to keep an eye on over the next year.

Lance McCullers 6'2 195 RHP Tampa Jesuit HS (Florida) Age- 17

The son of Lance, a pitcher for 7 years in the 80's, junior is the top high school pitching prospect in the country. His fastball sits in the 94-97mph range and he owns a hammer curve that is major league ready. His changeup is a plus pitch and still getting better. Went 5-3 2.02 ERA with 79 K in 52 IP this past season as a junior. Has the mound presence, poise, command and a feel for the game to be a top of the rotation starter.

Nick Williams 6'3 195 OF Bats- L Ball HS (Texas) Age-17

Williams is arguably the top high school position player in the country. Has drawn comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr due to his ridiculous power from the left side, and an arm that has been clocked at 90mph. At the World Wood Baseball Association Tournament last summer, he hit 4 HR in one game and finished 12-26 with 6 HR 12 RBI in 8 games.

Mark Appel 6'5 200 RHP Stanford Age- 19

Appel is considered the top college pitcher in the draft. Has the ideal size for a power pitcher along with an easy delivery. His fastball hits 95mph and uses his nasty slider as a swing and miss pitch. Owns a plus changeup with late movement and is also developing a cutter to add to his already deep arsenal. Went 6-6 3.02 ERA with 83 K 26 BB over 104.1 IP in 2011 for the Cardinal.

Trey Williams 6'2 200 3B/OF Bats- R Valencia HS (California) Age-17

A true 5 tool talent with immense power already, Williams is the son of 10 year major league player Ed Williams. Big and extremely strong, Williams also possesses soft hands and a lightning quick bat. Once drew an intentional walk with the bases loaded after hitting 6 HR in 3 games against West Ranch high school.

Said West Ranch coach Casey Burrill, "Williams will not see a pitch from West Ranch this season. He has a chance to be the best major leaguer ever to come out of the Santa Clarita Valley. He has all five tools. He's missing nothing."


Albert Almora 6'2 175 OF Bats- R Mater Academy (Florida) Age-17

2 words. Ball. Player. Almora has been playing on the big stage since he was 13, having been a member of Team USA since 2007. He is a ballplayer in the mold of a Derek Jeter, a leader with an extremely high IQ for the sport. He is a top tools guy who does everything well on the field. Projected as a late 1st round pick as of now, but could shoot up the draft with another strong season.

Jake Barrett 6'3 220 RHP Arizona State Age- 19

Barrett went 7-4 4.14 ERA with 74 K 21 BB in 76 IP in his first season as a starter for ASU. Had 43 K in 29 IP out of the bullpen as a freshman in 2010. A command pitcher who may be the most major league ready pitcher in the draft, his fastball hits 95mph and his curveball and splitter are both above average.