The Draft

Carlos Correa was the first pick in the 2012 draft. He was taken by the Astros 20 years after they passed on a prospect named Derek Jeter. It was a wise decision to choose Carlos Correa. AS history may show the Amateur Draft rankings don't mean much of anything.

Many teams select prospects as the first overall, but they don't pan out. In 1984 the first overall pick was Shawn Abner by the New York Mets. You will be shocked by the players picked in the second round. Pick 31 was the greatest pitcher ever, Greg Maddux (355 wins and 3.16 ERA). Pick 47 was Tom Glavine another fantastic pitcher (305 wins and 3.54 ERA). Pick 50 was Al Leiter (162 wins 3.80 ERA).

In the 1999 draft the first 2 picks worked out wonderfully, Josh Hamilton (#1) and Josh Beckett (#2) both have successful careers at the major league level. Other names selected in the first round that year are: Barry Zito (#9), Ben Sheets (#10), Alex Rios (#19) and Brian Roberts (#50). The most successful selection from the 1999 draft did not come the first 1 round, but in the 13th. 29 other teams had the chance to pick this player and 401 picks were before him. Albert Pujols was #402. The Cardinals' first pick was #30 and they chose Chance Caple who never made it to AA.

Although the draft day is filled with optimism most of the players will never make it to the major leagues. The picks selected in the latest parts of the draft can make it and be some of the greatest ever.