Mark Appel to Pittsburgh Pirates: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’5”/190 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

Age: 21

College: Stanford

Year: JR

The top collegiate arm headed into the 2012 season, the tall right-hander has the prototypical power pitcher's build and a 94-98 mph fastball to match it. However, while his stats may suggest dominance, Appel has been too hittable all season. He struggles to get on top of his fastball at times, which results in straighter and lighter variations that linger up in the zone.

He’s demonstrated the ability to maintain his velocity deep into games, and, as Stanford’s ace, has eclipsed the 100-pitch mark in nearly every start—he’s even finished games with pitch counts in the 130s.

While his slider can flash plus potential on occasion, it’s an inconsistent pitch. Appel’s struggles with it have led to him throwing an increased amount of changeups this season—a pitch that currently works due to its speed differential instead of movement.

Appel has drawn comparisons to Mark Prior during his time at USC, although his secondary offerings are far less polished. Still, he has the ideal pitcher’s frame and the strong, durable arm to go along with it. He won’t need long to reach the major leagues, so fans can conceivably expect him to arrive by 2015.

Pick Analysis:

Projected to be a No. 1 or 2 pick by many—Baseball Prospectus had him going No. 2—Appel falls to the Pirates at No. 8. 

He is represented by agent Scott Boras, who was featured in this ESPN.com story about what the new draft-signing rules will mean for teams and players.

Appel, who will be 22 in July, could be part of an impressive young Pirates rotation in a few years. Last year, the Pirates took right-hander Gerrit Cole at No. 1 overall out of UCLA. Cole, 21, and right-hander Jameson Taillon, 20, were recently named all-stars in their minor league.