The Houston Astros started the 2012 MLB Draft by selecting shortstop Carlos Correa from the Puerto Rican Baseball Academy, a shocking move to most analysts who predicted the organization would take Houston-bred right-handed pitcher Mark Appel from Stanford University.
Correa, a 17-year-old native of Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, is a 6-foot-4, 190 lb. shortstop who bats and throws right-handed. With the pick, Correa is the highest draft pick from Puerto Rico in the history of the MLB Draft. Correa is considered a big player for shortstop at 6-foot-4, and has been compared to Alex Rodriguez and Troy Tulowitzki. Among his skillset, Correa's strengths are in his speed and arm, but scouting reports indicate he can also hit for power.
Baseball Prospect Nation called Correa a big, raw talent in their March scouting report:
Physically impressive with remaining physical projection. Still extremely young and very raw offensive player. Has strength and bat speed for power projection. Actualization of that power hinges on the development of his hitting ability which remains extremely unrefined and is the biggest question mark in his game. Believers in the bat project him as a potential .280 hitter with 15-plus home runs a year, from a premium defensive position. Some scouts are more pessimistic, wondering if he will ever hit enough to be a regular. Has defensive fundamentals to stick at shortstop, but his body may say otherwise. Very hard worker with a desire to improve and advance. High character kid that may will himself to success. Potential everyday guy that contributes across the board offensively and sticks on the left side of the infield.
For more on the 2012 MLB Draft, check out all our coverage at Baseball Nation and From The Crawfish Boxes.
