MLB Draft 2012: Pittsburgh Pirates Get Absolute Steal with RHP Mark Appel

With the No. 8 pick of the 2012 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates were fortunate to select a player projected to go first overall in pitcher Mark Appel.

The right-hander has everything you look for in a pitching prospect. His great size indicates that he could be a workhorse and handle a lot of innings at the major league level. He also has a consistent delivery that shows good control.

Despite having plenty of room for improvement, Appel's stuff is close to major league ready. He can throw a fastball in the mid-90s, and his curveball can be used to finish off batters once he gets ahead.

Although his changeup still needs work, it is more advanced than most players his age.

This three-pitch arsenal should make the Stanford product a very quick riser through the minor league system.

The Pirates are not quite contenders yet, but with the team's young talent they are not too many years away from competing. Appel could be ready for the majors just as the team is starting to move up the standings.

The only downside with Appel at this point is his apparent lack of signability. A potential reason that the pitcher was still available with the No. 8 pick was that he could cost too much to sign. Being a Scott Boras client does not help remove this notion.

However, the Pirates would not have drafted the highly-touted player without the intention of signing him. If they have to go slightly overslot to take him, it will be worth the price.

Mark Appel will be a future frontline starter for Pittsburgh. In a few years, fans will be personally thanking all seven teams that passed on him.