Laurila: Q&A with Mark Appel, Houston Astros pitching prospect
From SABR member David Laurila at FanGraphs on December 23, 2013:
Mark Appel learned a lot in his four years at Stanford University. The 22-year-old right-hander graduated with a degree in management sciences and engineering. Along the way, he aced Pitching 101. This past summer, the Houston Astros selected him with the first-overall pick in the amateur draft.
Appel isn’t your typical power pitcher. He possesses an overpowering arsenal, but he goes about his craft like a technician. That doesn’t mean he’s a finished product — he has just 38 professional innings under his belt — but it does suggest his time in the minor leagues could be short.
Appel talked about his cerebral approach to pitching — including the importance of knowing who you are — late last week.
Read the full article here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/qa-mark-appel-houston-astros-pitching-prospect/
Originally published: December 23, 2013. Last Updated: December 23, 2013.