#1 MLB Overall "Bust" Mark Appel Sounds Light Years More Mature Than 24
CSN – Most of the players projected as candidates for the Phillies to draft first overall this June are pitchers. Plenty of hype, scrutiny and expectations come along with being selected first overall in any sport, but it’s a unique thing for a starting pitcher who can prove himself just once every five days. It will be a lot of pressure for a player between 18 and 22 years old, but a former No. 1 pick new to the Phils’ organization will have some words of advice for whomever they take in June. It’s taken a while for Appel to develop and he still hasn’t realized his potential. It’s why he was available this winter and the Phils were able to acquire him in the Ken Giles trade with Houston. The 6-foot-5 right-hander entered this season with a 5.12 ERA in 253 innings in the Astros’ system. He struggled with command and was hit around at pretty much every level.
Wow. I’ll tell ya what, there’s NO way I’d be sounding that mature after being quickly discarded by a team that picked me #1 overall. Not every player that goes numero uno is gonna be a Bryce Harper, David Price, or Adrian Gonzalez. Hell, even getting a Pat The Bat career out of a #1 pick would be considered a success with the amount of risk that comes selecting at that position. But then again, Appel could’ve very easily went the way of a Matt Bush or Bryan Bullington after feeling the heat so early in his career. It’s great to see that he’s got somewhat of a good head on his shoulders. Sure, he put a lot of pressure on himself, but at least his outlook is right (also doesn’t help when Kris Bryant was selected #2). And he’s been pitching a lot better in the Phillies farm system than he did with the Astros. It’s beyond SCARY to think what this rotation could look like down the line if Appel puts together his #1 overall stuff. Think about it – This kid, Nola, Velasquez, Eickhoff, Jake Thompson, Zach Eflin, and the likely fireballer the Phillies take #1 overall this season. Orgasmically frightening.
How great is this Ken Giles haul looking? Gomez coming out of nowhere and leading the league in saves helps soften the blow of losing the young fireballer. But, shit, just shipping off a closer who wasn’t supposed to pitch for a winner anytime soon for South Philly Vinny alone looks amazing. But they not only got Velasquez but three other guys with Appel, who again is only 24. Oh how the times have changed since Ruben Amaro Jr. was essentially stuffed in a locker by Phils management before getting axed and becoming a first base coach/waterboy for the Red Sox.
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