Draft Preview: 2012 Edition

It's that time of year again... Everyone's cuts are in and every team is starting at the beginning, looking forward to some new additions to their team. With draft preparation beginning to get underway, the TBA Blog is here with the first Mock Draft of 2012. Without any further ado here are the projected top 10 picks...

1) Mike Trout- London

London has a lot of holes in their roster as they look to rebuild. Management loves pitching and has stocked up on plenty of arms already but needs some help on the position player side. At only 20 years of age, Trout has the tools to develop into a superstar in center. This young man should be patrolling CF in London for a LONG time.

2) Brett Lawrie- Nassau

Coming off two consecutive sub-60 win seasons, the G-Men are looking to add some firepower to their lineup. This exciting young Canadian will certainly do that. Fans and scouts are drooling over the 3B after he tore up MLB pitching in his short debut. He also played well enough at third to quell any doubts about his fielding ability after transitioning from second last season.

3) Michael Pineda- Evanston

If Nassau passes on Lawrie he could be the pick here but if not Pineda is a great consolation prize. 'Prince' Pineda blew away American League hitters in a spectacular debut that saw him being named to the MLB All-Star Team. He struck out over a batter an inning and walked less than 3 per 9. Although moving to the hitters haven in the Bronx has awakened some skeptics, he looks good enough to become a legitimate ace in the near future.

4) Dustin Ackley- Halifax

At this point of the draft you can not go wrong with either one of the top two players left on the board. However, I see Ackley over Eric Hosmer here due to the positional difference. Ackley has already shown he can hit the ball and is capable defensively at second base. He has a bright future and could easily be a top 5 2B in the very near future.

5) Eric Hosmer- Oahu

Yes, Hosmer is blocked by Prince Fielder. But Hosmer has such a high ceiling that if he is still around at number 5 Oahu won't be able to pass him up. However, if they do take him one of them will need to be traded eventually with Oahu playing in the LHL. I expect Hosmer to pinch hit with the Glorious Wonders next year but I would advise him against investing in Hawaiian real estate quite so soon.

6) Julio Teheran, Mackinaw

Mackinaw is another team in rebuilding mode and what better way to do so than with a top of the line arm. This electric 21 year old righty will become the number 1 prospect in an organization desperate for pitching. Although he struggled with his first taste in the MLB, I fully expect him to become an ace within a couple of years.

7) Devin Mesoraco, Helena

While John Buck and Jason Varitek are competent catchers for the 2012 season, Helena needs a long-term solution. Enter Mesoraco. This top prospect got his first taste of MLB pitching this year and although he struggled he will most likely be the starting catcher this year in Cincinnati. Alternate option for Helena here is fan favorite Yuni Betancourt...

8) Desmond Jennings, San Antonio

Unless Jason Bay can recapture the magic that made him become the top hitter in Alamo history, San Antonio needs to start looking for a replacement. Jennings can split time with Josh Reddick this year in leftfield before becoming a full time starter in either corner outfield spot next season.

9) Freddie Freeman, Mackinaw

Mackinaw is currently without a first baseman on the roster and although Mackinaw should not be drafting for need at this spot, Freeman would be one of the top players remaining in this draft. Freeman's first full MLB season was a major success with the bat and the glove as he was the NL Rookie of the Year runner up. The 22 year old first baseman should only get better with age.

10) Mike Moustakas, San Antonio

Alberto Callaspo is currently filling the 3B role for San An but don't expect him to be there long-term. Moustakas is just one of Kansas City's top prospects and would provide the 3B-in-waiting role the Alamos are looking for.