A Pair of 2012 Draft Picks Set to Square off

Tonight at Busch Stadium a pair of 2012 first-round draft picks will face each other for the first time in their big league careers. The St. Louis Cardinals starting pither, Michael Wacha will go head-to-head with Minnesota Twins center fielder, Byron Buxton.

Wacha was taken 19th overall by the Cardinals. He made his big league debut in 2013 and hasn’t looked back. He went 4-1 with a 2.78 earned run average. He also went 4-1 during the Cardinals run to the World Series. He gave up just one run during his first three postseason starts.

This season Wacha has established himself as one of the game’s elite pitchers. He is currently in the top five in wins with eight. His 2.45 earned run average has him just outside the top 10. He has been the ace for the league’s best team and he appears to be entering his prime.

Buxton was taken 2nd overall by the Twins. He has drawn comparisons to the MVP, Mike Trout. 

If it weren’t for injuries Buxton likely would have made his big league debut last season. Before making his big league debut on Sunday, Buxton led the Southern League in triples and runs scored.

Buxton showed off his speed when he picked up his first big league hit yesterday, which just so happened to be a triple. He hit a fly ball to the left center field gap that would have been a double for most players. For Buxton it was a standup triple. Buxton also showed off his speed when he went from first to home for the game-winning run in his big league debut.

When young players square off like this it’s must see TV. Wacha has already established himself as one of the game’s young stars, while Buxton is trying to get to that level. With this being an interleague game we may not get to see this two square off too often. Make sure not to miss it.

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