Mark Appel......

                         Through all the All Star stuff, the first place stuff, and the trade deadline stuff.....There is still the issue of signing of first round pick, Mark Appel.  The deadline in which to sign a first round pick is Friday.  The report came out yesterday that Appel was leaning towards returning to Stanford for his Senior season.  I do not think its fair to be critical of a guy returning to play with his college teammates and all that. That is a special experience.  Although it appears he is returning to school for all the wrong reasons.  Appel and his representative, Scott Boras do not seem too pleased with his slotted 8th pick money of 2.9 million.  The Pirates saved enough money on other selections to offer Appel closer to 3.8 million.  The report could be a ploy by Boras to try to squeeze out more money from the Pirates. He may ultimately sign when the deadline rolls around later this week, but things now are unclear.
             The issue of not signing the first round pick would usually be an absolute nightmare for Pirate management.  The on field team has people forgetting about the draft and signing Appel.  I think best case scenario is that he does in fact sign. The Pirates, or any team for that matter, could always use a projected top of the rotation starter.  Appel being in the fold would also make trading a guy like Taillon a little more tolerable.  The Pirates could be lining up to take on making a big trade in the coming weeks and their pitching depth could be the asking price to seal the deal. Appel and the Pirates both stand plenty to gain by him signing. Appel gets 3.8 million and the financial security. The Pirates add another top end pitching prospect and add more depth to their loaded system. It is a win-win for everyone. If Appel does not sign, here is what happens for both parties.  Appel will return for Stanford and throw away a lot of money. He will risk and try to be picked in the first seven picks of next year's draft in hopes of getting more money. The Pirates will receive the 9th pick in the draft no matter what in compensation for losing Appel. The Pirates will have their normal pick as well. That actually seems pretty pretty good to have two picks in next year's draft as it is expected to be better.  The Pirates are not the only team in fear of losing their first round pick as Kevin Gausman of the Orioles may return to LSU.  These guys are throwing a lot of money away. The next few days will be interesting.