All the speculation leading up to Monday's first round of the 2012 MLB draft had the Houston Astros picking pitcher Mark Appel first overall. And the Astros might've intended to go with Appel all along, too, but in that event something must have changed, because the Astros selected Puerto Rican shortstop Carlos Correa instead.
And Tuesday, a day after Correa was picked, we get word that he and the Astros are already nearing a contract agreement. Jon Heyman:
Shortstop Carlos Correa, the No. 1 overall pick in Monday's draft, is already progressing toward a deal with the Astros, sources tell CBSSports.com.
Furthermore, those sources suggest the deal is expected to be for close to $5 million.
Under the new rules, the pick with which the Astros selected Correa has a slot value of $7.2 million. If Correa does indeed sign for well below that, then the Astros can put some of that money towards Lance McCullers, their second selection. And the rest of their draft class, too. But specifically McCullers. That would be a big talent score for an organization that doesn't have enough of it.
Assuming Correa signs shortly, it shouldn't be long after that that he begins his professional career at some very low level.