The 2012 MLB Amateur draft kicks off tonight at 6 PM ET. With the ninth pick, the Marlins will have a ton of talented players available when they select. Even though the 2012 draft class is the worst in the last five years (and maybe even longer) the Marlins can surely find a player at #9 that will help their franchise for years to come. Use this FanPost to discuss the draft with other Marlins fans. Also, I have included some information that is necessary for any Marlins fan to follow the draft.

Miami Marlins Selections

1st Round (9th): Andrew Heaney, LHP, Oklahoma State University (Analysis)
3rd Round (104th): Avery Romero, SS, Pedro Menendez HS (St. Augustine, FL)
Comp B Round (127th): Kolby Copeland, OF, Parkland HS (Louisiana)
4th Round (137th): Austin Dean, OF, Klein Collins HS (Texas)

We will have coverage of the team's first four draft picks as they happen and later this evening.

Things of note:

• Jack McKeon and Bill Beck will represent the Marlins
• Where Lucas Giolito is drafted will change the whole landscape of the draft.
• If the Marlins draft a player expected to sign for less, it could be because they plan on signing Jorge Soler, the top Cuban outfielder.
  
• The Marlins will have $4.9 million to spend on their picks in the first ten rounds.

Mock Drafts from around the internet:

Jim Callis: Marlins select Max Fried, HS, LHP

John Sickels: Marlins select Lance McCullers Jr, HS, RHP

Matt Garrioch: Marlins select Albert Almora, HS, OF.

Kevin Goldstein: Marlins select Courtney Hawkins, HS, OF

Bullpen Banter: Marlins select Max Fried, HS, LHP

Fish Stripes on the Draft

- Player Profile: Kyle Zimmer

- Player Profile: Courtney Hawkins

- First-round preview

Other Links

- Baseball America (Jim Callis) Mock Draft

- Baseball Prospectus (Kevin Golstein) Mock Draft

- ESPN (Keith Law) Mock Draft (Insider only)

- Bullpen Banter Mock Draft

- Draft budgets for all 30 teams

Questions for Pre-Draft Discussion (Leave your answers in the comments section!):

1) Who do you want the Marlins do draft with their first overall selection? There's no wrong answer, but please justify your pick.

2) Who are you scared the Marlins will draft?

3) Should the Marlins draft the best player available, or draft for need?

4) Who do you think will be the number one overall pick?

When the draft actually begins, if you hear something interesting, let us know.