Key Cards to Collect Heading into the 2012 MLB Draft
For prospectors, there are few days better than draft day. With the 2012 MLB Draft rapidly approaching, it's time for collectors to bring out their boxes of cards from their favorite prospecting sets. Thanks to the many USA Baseball releases and inserts from the past few years, several of the top players expecting to be drafted on June 4th already have cards. And as the draft unfolds, there should be plenty of movement.
After a top-flight draft class in 2011, this year's crop of college and high school prospects don't seem as highly regarded. In recent years, the top pick has been a clear choice. Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and Gerrit Cole were all locks to go first overall. This year, however, there doesn't seem to be a clear-cut choice for the Houston Astros.
But that opinion shouldn't deter you from picking up prospects drafted by your favorite team. Just consider Albert Pujols who was picked in 1999 in the 13th round or John Smoltz, who was selected in the 22nd round of the 1985 draft.
Here are eight prospects likely to hear their name called this year who already have cardboard experience.
Alberto Almora
A high school prospect from Miami, Almora is considered to have one of the most potent bats in the draft. The outfielder could easily be a top 10 pick.
Found in: 2009 Upper Deck USA, 2010 Bowman Chrome, 2010 Topps USA, 2011 Bowman Chrome, 2011 Bowman Sterling, 2011 Panini Limited, 2011 Topps USA
Mark Appel
Since the college season began, the Stanford Cardinals ace has been in the mix to be selected first. Appel has been "Mr. Consistency" all season and the Houston native's 2.45 ERA supports the claim. The current state of the Astros farm system also has many thinking the Astros will take a college pitcher with their first choice.
Found in: 2011 Bowman Platinum, 2011 Bowman Sterling, 2011 Panini Limited, 2011 Topps Chrome, 2011 Topps USA
Kevin Gausman
The Friday night starter for the LSU Tigers reportedly hit 102 on the radar gun while pitching against South Carolina over the weekend. If the Astros selected Gausman first, no one would blame them. The 6'4" right-hander was previously drafted in the 6th round in 2010 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he decided to play for one of the most storied college baseball teams in the country instead.
Found in: 2009 Upper Deck USA, 2010 Bowman Chrome, 2011 Bowman Platinum, 2011 Bowman Sterling, 2011 Panini Limited, 2011 Topps Chrome, 2011 Topps USA
Lance McCullers
MCullers is a high school pitcher that steadily reaches the mid-90s with his fastball. The 6'2" hurler also possesses a curveball considered to be a plus pitch. His physical build projects well for a future starting pitcher.
Found in: 2010 Bowman Chrome, 2010 Bowman Platinum, 2010 Bowman Sterling, 2010 Topps USA
Tyler Naquin
A junior outfielder for the Texas A&M Aggies, Naquin has posted a strong .385 batting average and a .463 on base percentage thus far in 2012. While Naquin's power does not project well, his contact and speed make him ideal for a leadoff hitter.
Found in: 2011 Bowman Platinum, 2011 Bowman Sterling, 2011 Panini Limited Baseball, 2011 Topps Chrome, 2011 Topps USA
Lucas Sims
Though Sims is committed to Clemson, he likely won't ever take the mound for the Tigers. The young right-handed pitcher consistently hits the low- to mid-90s with his fastball. He also has effective off-speed pitches in his arsenal.
Found in: 2010 Bowman Draft, 2010 Topps USA, 2011 Topps USA
Marcus Stroman
The junior right-hander for the Duke Blue Devils was the first player in the school's history to earn a spot on Team USA's collegiate team. However, Stroman's small frame has some prospectors snubbing their noses at his accomplishments.
Found in: 2011 Bowman Platinum, 2011 Bowman Sterling, 2011 Topps Chrome, 2011 Topps USA
Michael Wacha
The 6'6" 200 pound right-hander is 8-0 with a 2.09 ERA for the Texas A&M Aggies. While compiling 99 strikeouts in 99 innings pitched, Wacha has also held hitters to just three home runs.
Found in: 2011 Bowman Platinum, 2011 Bowman Sterling, 2011 Topps Chrome, 2011 Topps USA
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Related Topics: Baseball Cards: Prospecting
