The chatter around Major League Baseball circles is that the Houston Astros have already decided on who they will take with the No. 1 overall pick in Monday's draft. Just like the latest mock from Baseball America, word is Houston-native pitcher Mark Appel, out of Stanford, will be the Stros' coveted pick.

Early word: astros take stanford rhp mark appel and twins take Ga. prep CF byron buxton. unconfirmed but that's scuttlebutt

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) June 4, 2012

Everyone knows that Houston owner Jim Crane wants to invest in a No. 1 pitching talent, and everything indicates Appel is at least that. But as Baseball America notes, the flashier Georgia prep prospect Byron Buxton "appears to be the preference of the team's baseball decision-makers" and they'd certainly consider taking him for some reason a deal with Appel fell through.

Read more about the Astros at The Crawfish Boxes and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news around Major League Baseball and the draft.