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