Class: Junior
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Height/Weight: 6-5/215
Born: July 15, 1991
After a strong start to the season, Appel seems to be the likeliest contender for the number one overall pick.
He’s coming off of a stellar sophomore season in which he won six games (so far), posted a 3.02 ERA and struck out 83 batters in a team-leading 104.1 innings. He helped guide Stanford into super-regional play with a seven-hit complete game in the NCAA opener against Kansas State. He struck out eight in the game and walked none.
Two years ago, as a freshman, the 6’5″, 190 pound right-hander had a tough year pitching out of Stanford’s bullpen. He was hit hard (44 H, 25 R in 38 IP) and finished the year with a 5.92 ERA and almost as many walks (19) as strikeouts (24).
He didn’t let a disappointing first-year campaign keep him down though. He traveled, along with teammate Kenny Diekroeger, to the New England Collegiate League and dominated, posting a 6-1 record and a 1.87 ERA, earning top prospect honors.
Appel has all the tools to end up as a top five pick. He has the easy velocity that can produce 97 mph bullets, although he sits more comfortably in the 92-95 mph range. He has a very impressive slider and also throws a changeup and a cutter.
One thing scouts are always looking for is excellent arm speed, and Appel has that too.
Fastball: 93-97 mph
Changeup: 79-83 mph
Slider/Curveball: 81-84 mph
Cutter: 87-91 mph
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