Astros in your Fantasy Part 1: Top 10 Prospects

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Mark Appel plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Astros # 2 Top Prospect: Mark Appel

ETA: 2015 (after mid-season)

#1-2 starter.

There was a slight scare at the beginning of the season for Appel at Lancaster, but he pitched well at Double-A and Arizona League. He was drafted with the number one pick in 2013, and I wrote in the past month about when he will make his debut and whether or not the Astros would include him in a potential trade for Cole Hamels. Watching him in the Fall League, brought me memories of Shane Reynolds or Roy Oswalt pitching, so I’m using Oswalt as a comparison during his rookie season. Unless he is called up early in 2015, this projection is for 2016.

14-3/ 2.73 ERA/ 141 Innings/ 144 strikeouts.

According to Prospects361.com, Fantasy Impact:  The big question on fantasy owners mind is whether Mark Appel is a buy-low candidate.  If his owner is placing a number two starter tag on him, I’m walking away.  If he’s placing a number three, I’m buying.   I see him posting strikeout rates in the seven to eight per nine while not hurting himself by issuing free passes.  I just believe the stuff will be flat and he’ll give up more hits, more home runs than you would expect.  The BABIP will always scream a correction is coming but I’m afraid it never will.

Ceiling: Roy Oswalt

Floor: Shelby Miller

Next: Carlos Correa