When the Houston Astros make the No. 1 pick in Thursday's MLB Draft, it will mark the third straight year and fifth time overall the franchise has had the top overall selection.
In 1976, the Astros selected Arizona State LHP Floyd Bannister, who pitched just 52 games for the team before going on to a decent career with the Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox and others. Sixteen years later, Houston selected Cal State Fullerton third baseman Phil Nevin, who played just 18 of his 1,217 major-league games for the franchise.
The Astros' No. 1 pick from 2012, high school shortstop Carlos Correa, was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 7 prospect in baseball going into this season. The 19-year-old is putting up good numbers at high Class-A Lancaster.
Last year's top pick, RHP Mark Appel, also is playing at Lancaster. He was ranked as MLB's 39th best prospect by Baseball America.
Only two teams, the New York Mets and San Diego Padres, have as many No. 1 picks than the Astros.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, eight teams have never had the top overall pick.
Some other notable facts:
• The New York Yankees, despite all their success, have had the No. 1 selection twice. That's one more than the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals (Oh, and the Boston Red Sox have never had the No. 1 pick);
• The Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays somewhat surprisingly are among the teams that have never had the No. 1 pick;
• Despite five No. 1 picks, the Mets managed to select just one player, Daryl Strawberry in 1980, who went on to have an above-average major league career;
• The Tampa Bay Rays didn't exist until 1998 but have had four No. 1 picks, more than the rest of the American League East combined;
• By selecting Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez with two of their four No. 1 picks, the Seattle Mariners have been the most successful team ever at picking No. 1. Can the Washington Nationals challenge them eventually with Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper?
• The Astros join the Nationals and Rays as teams that have had the No. 1 pick in consecutive years. They are the first team to have it in three straight years.
The full list:
Five times
Astros (2014, 2013, 2012, 1992, 1976)
Mets (1994, 1984, 1980, 1968, 1966)
Padres (2004, 1988, 1974, 1972, 1970)
Four times
Mariners (1993, 1987, 1981, 1979)
Pirates (2011, 2002, 1996, 1986)
Rays (2008, 2007, 2003, 1999)
Two times
Angels (1995, 1975)
Braves (1990, 1978)
Nationals (2010, 2009)
Rangers/Senators (1973, 1969)
Twins (2001, 1983)
White Sox (1977, 1971)
Yankees (1991, 1967)
One time
A's (1965)
Cubs (1982)
Brewers (1985)
Diamondbacks (2005)
Marlins (2000)
Orioles (1989)
Phillies (1998)
Royals (2006)
Tigers (1997)
Zero times
Blue Jays
Cardinals
Dodgers
Giants
Indians
Reds
Red Sox
Rockies