For the second straight year, Mark Appel is hoping to be the first pick in the MLB Draft, but this time, the right-handed pitcher from Stanford doesn’t have another year of eligibility to fall back on. Appel was picked eighth last year, elected to return to school, and emerged once again as a No. 1 possibility in 2013. Opponents hit just .203 off of Appel this year. He displayed elite-level command, striking out 130 batters and walking just 23 in 106 innings pitched. His fastball can reach the high 90s and usually stays around 94-95 mph, so he can blow batters away. Appel also throws a slider and changeup to keep hitters off balance, though he still needs to master the command of his secondary pitches. His tremendous upside makes him a virtual guarantee to be taken in the first two picks.
MLB Draft 2013 scouting report round-up: RHP Mark Appel
Mark Appel finds himself in a familiar spot: virtually guaranteed of a top-pick selection in the MLB Draft.
Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE
Vital statistics
| Mark Appel | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pos | High School / College | Consensus Rank |
| RHP | Stanford (senior) | 1st round |
| B/T | Birthdate (age) | Height / Weight |
| R/R | 7/15/1991 (21) | 6'5" / 215 |
What they’re saying
- Matt Garrioch, Minor League Ball: “I think all 3 of his pitches could play up with more innings and confidence in locating them to all 4 quadrants.”
- Keith Law, ESPN: “Still clearly the best player in this draft, boasting stuff, command, an out-pitch in his slider, a good delivery and athleticism.”
- Nick Faleris, Baseball Prospectus: “Appel is clean to a fault in his delivery, historically losing some deception but making up for it this year with more consistent execution and better overall command.”
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