Now that the MLB 2012 draft is in the books, the sports community at large is still digesting the curveball that the Houston Astros threw at us all with their number one selection.
The short stop Carlos Correa certainly has the talent to go as such in this year’s pool but the Astros seemed sold on Stanford pitcher Mark Appel who ended up going eight to the Pirates.
At 17-years-old Correa has some developing to do and he will get his chance to do so. His dream is to become the next Derek Jeter although the Astros have plans for him to potentially morph into a third baseman.
Why did the Astros go in this direction?
Obviously Houston saw something that others saw that chose them not to choose Appel.
Appel wasn’t even the first pitcher chosen in the draft. Baltimore, Kansas City and San Diego all chose names such as Kevin Gausman, Kyle Zimmer and Max Fried ahead of him.
But what turned them away from the can’t miss prospect from Georgia Byron Buxton or Florida’s Mike Zunino?
Correa obviously has exceptional skills and all of his talent and most importantly hard work, deserve this triumphant moment.
So here is how it went down. Correa blew the Astros away during a personal workout last month during extended spring training according to MLB.com.
Bobby Heck, the Astros’ assistant general manager/scouting director, was excited to discuss what Correa can do on the field.
“We’re very excited to add a player of Carlos’ caliber,” Heck sad. “He profiles as a power-hitting middle-of-the-field guy, and to get that type of power at shortstop — his work ethic, how he was brought up and the family environment he comes from, the student he is — it’s a great pick for us, as well as a great long-term investment for the Astros.”
Correa is said to be an extreme over-achiever with a serious work ethic and unbreakable drive. Also committed to the University of Miami, the young man has quite a few choices to make although I don’t think the Astros have to anything to worry about.
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