Due to the lack of a clear cut No. 1 prospect, many have unfairly labeled the 2012 draft crop as weak. I would contend that the available talent base is sound, but don't be surprised to see teams take players earlier than where they have been projected since you could make an argument for 50-60 different players to be selected among the top 30 picks.
The biggest wildcard remains Lucas Giolito, who I don't have projected to be selected in the first round. I won't be surprised if he is taken early by a team that has seen enough of him in the past, which will indicate that they are confident in his overall health, but history suggests that players, particularly pitchers, that suffer injuries and subsequently don't pitch in the weeks (or months) leading up to the draft typically fall. In fact, things are so quiet on that front that some have speculated that he may have a deal in place with a team, thus not needing to share medical reports more openly.
Stay tuned to the Perfect Game MLB Draft Blog over the weekend and on Monday for more rumors as we hear them. Last year we were the first to hear that Danny Hultzen was going to go to the Mariners with the No. 2 pick, but that news didn't surface until hours before the draft began. And of course, if you don't already, be sure to follow me on Twitter for news as it surfaces: @PGPatrickEbert.
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