Latest First Round Mock Drafts

Yesterday we heard that the Astros are expected to take Stanford right-hander Mark Appel with the first overall pick in tonight's draft, but there are still another 1,500 or so selections to be made after that, including another 59 this evening. Let's round up the latest mock drafts before the real thing begins (these articles are free for all; no subscription is required.)…

• Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus has the Astros taking high school outfielder Byron Buxton first overall despite yesterday's report about Appel. He reports that checks on the right-hander's signability "were not going well." 
• Jim Callis of Baseball America has the Astros taking Appel with Buxton going second overall to the Twins and Florida catcher Mike Zunino third overall to the Mariners. 
• Keith Law of ESPN.com puts together a mock draft that has the Astros selecting Appel, the Twins selecting Buxton and the Mariners selecting Zunino. Shortstop Carlos Correa remains an option for the Astros at #1, Law notes.
• Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com agrees that Appel, Buxton and Zunino figure to be the first three players selected. Correa could be an option for the Twins at #2 or the Mariners at #3, Mayo writes.