Well, with Roache's unfortunate injury, maybe we'll have a chance to grab him in the supplemental round. I don't consider him worthy of the first overall pick, but I would certainly jump at the chance to add him with a later pick.

"Everything I read calls his power huge"

Reports I've seen have him anywhere from 60-70 power (max is 80). Very good, but not top-shelf. If he had other tools (great defense or solid defense at a premium position, or high average and massive walks) I'd be more interested, but as it stands, it looks like you're talking about taking a guy who's only standout tool is power, and that tool isn't the best in the draft class, AND he'll be limited to arguably out deepest positions (C-OF/1B).

EDIT: P.S. I don't personally care for Buxton that much either. Unless the guy is going to almost certainly be the next Willy Mays, I'm absolutely against taking an OF with our first overall pick.

"Do we have to draft another player from Stanford in the first round?"

If he has a high chance of being a superstar ace, then I don't really give a bleep if he went to Stanford or Oxford or Ford Racing school.

If the last 90% of his starts match the first 10% I would jump at taking him first all day long. His compadre pitched well last night as Stanford kicked dirt on Texas again. Mooneyhams or whatever his name is missed last year but will jump way up the ranks this year, mid first territory, if he proves he is healed.

Here is a stat line for my guy Zunino. A Catcher.

.440 AVG 2 HR 6 RBI .760 slugging .516 OBP 2-2 in stolen bases and fwiw a 1.000 fielding%

I think the top 5 in consideration are: Appel, Giolito, Zunino, Buxton, and Marrero. I think that's the order I want them in too. I also have to agree, Appel's easy and repeatable delivery makes him the best option in my mind.

Other note, through two starts Kyle Zimmer has a stat line of 9 innings, 8 k's, 0 walks, 0 runs, and 2 hits. While showing multiple plus pitches at times. He has been on a pitch count but is now off of it so it will be interesting to see what he does. He has chance to shoot up draft boards.

"He wasn't a good defender, though. That's why he was moved."

I know. I'm not disagreeing with moving him; I just didn't think he was a good example of a toolsy outfielder being a bust.

I like all of those guys but I would much rather take a shot at a player at a premium position like 3rd or SS or C. Hopefully some more advanced third base prospects force their way into the discussion by the time the draft rolls around.

I'm of the opinion that you can hit on pitching in following rounds especially by loading up on hard throwing and projectable HS arms. Being able to sign these pitchers will be harder given the new draft rules though.

"I like all of those guys but I would much rather take a shot at a player at a premium position like 3rd or SS or C. Hopefully some more advanced third base prospects force their way into the discussion by the time the draft rolls around."

When you draft first you need to draft the player with the most upside that has the greatest chance to pan out. It needs to be a little better than just taking a shot at a kid.

I don't understand the hype over Marerro. It seems like he's got a pretty high floor, but he doesn't seem to have much upside. Lots of scouts say he's a lock to hit .280-.300 with around ten home runs, 20 or so steals, and good defense. That's obviously very good production from a shortstop, but I'd want more bang for my buck with the #1 pick.

"When you draft first you need to draft the player with the most upside that has the greatest chance to pan out. It needs to be a little better than just taking a shot at a kid."

That goes without saying.

"I don't understand the hype over Marerro. It seems like he's got a pretty high floor, but he doesn't seem to have much upside. Lots of scouts say he's a lock to hit .280-.300 with around ten home runs, 20 or so steals, and good defense. That's obviously very good production from a shortstop, but I'd want more bang for my buck with the #1 pick."

I'll take a lock of that over a hope and a prayer on a Giolito who's more likely to blow his arm out and flop than hit his ceiling though.

"That goes without saying."

I'm not so sure it does. This and all other 2012 draft threads seem to have a common theme; everyone is clamoring for 100% upside with little regard to actual polish or chances of reaching that upside. That's why I like Appel so far.

I think Marrero's floor is the reason he's being considered so high. His defense isn't just good, almost every report says gold glove defense and if you pair that with a .280 to .300 BA, 10 to 15 hr, and 20+ steals your talking about one of the better short stops in baseball and possibly an all star in his prime.

I competely agree with you. I think with the number 1 overall pick we should focus on someone who has a very high chance to pan out and reach their potential, rather than taking someone who has a ton of upside and we hope reaches their potential.

"everyone is clamoring for 100% upside with little regard to actual polish or chances of reaching that upside."

That's why I'm not crazy about drafting Giolito or Buxton w/the first pick. Just a little too much risk involved for my taste. But I understand the appeal. No risk no reward after all.

And that's why I like Zunino so far. All I meant was all things beings equal I'd rather take a shot at an advanced hitter at a premium position w/the first pick.

That being said, I wouldn't mind seeing Appel develop into Verlander with Houston. As long as he can maintain good velocity and keep a high strikeout rate I would have no problem w/him being the pick.

I just think you will be disappointed if you are wanting a position player to be taken. They have some really good arms in this draft. That would make most say that we can find a good arm later in the draft but the top few pitchers should all be aces(some a little more risky than others). I like taking a guy who has a head on his shoulders and has played college ball. It makes me feel that he knows a little better what it takes to be great and has the head to handle the spot light.

"That would make most say that we can find a good arm later in the draft but the top few pitchers should all be aces(some a little more risky than others)."

That is true. Aces are hard to come by. But in today's game so are long term options at 3B, C, SS and 2B. A 3B or C w/a good bat and can stick at the position for the better part of a decade is just as valuable as an ace IMO. I don't think we should be forced to go w/pitching for the first pick.

"I like taking a guy who has a head on his shoulders and has played college ball. It makes me feel that he knows a little better what it takes to be great and has the head to handle the spot light. "

Then you would like Mike Zunino. I'm personally not too big on character stuff when it comes to players. Unless they're a total nutcase I don't think it should have too much impact in evaluating players. But it's not my money so I understand the reason organizations care.

I don't know if anyone had a chance to read Luhnow's chat with fans on the farmstros but he got some draft questions and his answers were interesting.

He said there's 3 or maybe 4 players under consideration for the number 1 pick but that could change. Later someone asked about addressing the 3rd base need in the minors, and he said 3rd base are easier to find than SS, C, and CF which all happen to be Marrero, Zunino, and Buxton. Also, someone asked what he thought about the minor league system and he said he felt their was decent position player depth and some good arms but "we lack a true top of the rotation prospect."

I think Appel and Giolito are at the top of their board with both having top of the rotation stuff. And some combination of Zunino, Buxton, and Marrero next in line at this point. It will be an interesting next couple of months!

Good analysis, outside of Buxton, all have the potential to be great. He may have it, I am just not convinced as yet.

They have some really good arms in this draft.
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There are ALWAYS arms available in a draft. Go back and look at past drafts. Arms are flying off the table in the early rounds and late rounds.