2012 MLB Draft: St. Louis Cardinals Select Pitcher Michael Wacha

Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M University: The 6-6, 200-pound Wacha dominates with a 90-95 MPH fastball and a wicked change-up, going 9-1, 2.06 with a 116/20 K/BB in 113 innings for the Aggies this spring. His curveball and slider aren’t as impressive, but he still projects as a workhorse mid-rotation starter. At one point he was in consideration for the top six in this draft. His stock slipped, but not for any fault of his own: he was effective all spring, but some guys simply moved ahead of him. The thing he needs to do most is refine his breaking ball, but the Cardinals have helped pitchers with similar issues develop their skills in that department. He’s been quite durable in college, and it is possible that scouts nitpicked him a bit. His statistical performance has always been terrific, and it will be interesting to see how Big 12 success translates into pro ball.