Carlos Correa, ss Born: Sep 22, 1994 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 190 Drafted: Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, Gurabo, P.R., 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Larry Pardo/Joey Sola Background: Correa is a product of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, the top finishing school on the island for prospective draft picks. The academy has produced 56 draft picks since 2004, though none has reached the major leagues yet. With a strong tour of high school showcase events in 2011, Correa vaulted himself into first-round consideration for 2012. The Miami recruit continued to thrive as a high school senior, starring at Puerto Rico's Excellence Games in May and wowing clubs in workouts shortly before the draft. The Astros considered him a legitimate top-of-the-draft talent but took him No. 1 overall in part because he signed quickly for $4.8 million. His bonus set a club record though it was well below the $7.2 million assigned value for his pick, which allowed Houston to use the savings elsewhere in the draft. Correa became the highest selection ever from Puerto Rico, surpassing Ramon Castro, whom Houston took 17th overall in 1994. The Astros challenged Correa late in the summer, sending him to advanced Rookie-level Greeneville as a 17-year-old in August, and he responded well with five extra-base hits in 11 games. Scouting Report: Correa has tools worthy of a No. 1 overall pick, earning comparisons to players such as Troy Tulowitzki and Ryan Zimmerman. Tall and athletic, Correa has the potential to hit for power while playing the left side of the infield. His best attributes are his well above-average pop to all fields, which Houston scouting director Mike Elias describes as "freak-show power," and his cannon arm. Correa has an easy swing with plenty of bat speed and leverage. He's balanced at the plate, uses his hands well and has natural hitting rhythm, and the Astros expect him to hit for average as well as power. He impressed club officials by laying off breaking balls out of the zone after signing, though at his size, he has holes in his swing that he'll have to tighten. Correa is the best present defender the organization has at shortstop. His arm strength earns plus-plus grades, and he has excellent footwork and body control. There's some concern that he'll outgrow shortstop as he matures physically. If so, scouts expect him to be a premium defender if he has to slide to third base. He has excellent defensive instincts and work ethic, and he did nothing after signing to convince scouts that he'll have to move. He also lost weight this summer while playing every day for the first time, so his lanky frame should keep him at shortstop for at least the short term. Correa plays with energy, consistently producing above-average running times to first base. He's likely to slow down as he grows, though, and stealing bases isn't expected to be a significant part of his game. The Future: Houston has tried to temper expectations for Correa, but with his talent and personality, it's hard not to see him becoming the face of the franchise. He's advanced enough to earn a spot at the organization's new low Class A Quad Cities affiliate to start his first full pro season, and a strong performance could put him on the fast track. If all goes well, he could reach Houston as early as 2015. He has the power to be an all-star at any position. --

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