Mark Appel Passes on Pittsburgh, Stays at Stanford

With the eighth overall pick in this year's Major League Baseball draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates went with Monte Vista alum and Stanford's big starting pitcher Mark Appel.

Appel, 21 (as of July 15), had been projected _.

But you won't see Appel in a Pirates jersey next year.

The big right-hander has decided to stay at Stanford for his senior year, turning down a $3.8 million offer from the Pirates, ESPN reported.

Out of the 31 players drafted in the first round, Appel remains the only one unsigned.

ESPN, July 14:

"After much thought, prayer and analysis of both opportunities, I came to the conclusion the best decision is to remain at Stanford continuing my studies, finishing my degree, and doing all I can to assist the Cardinal baseball team in our goal to win a national championship," Appel said in a statement. "I greatly valued the prospect of a professional opportunity and I will pursue a professional baseball career after getting my Stanford degree."

However, this isn't new territory for Appel. The Detroit Tigers drafted him in 2009 with 450th overall pick in the 15th round. He failed to sign then as well.

"Selecting Mark was a calculated risk, as we knew he would be a difficult sign," (Pirates general manager Neal) Huntington said. "As an organization, we need to continue to take these types of calculated risks. While we would've preferred to add Mark to the group of talented prospects in our system, we wish Mark, and his family, nothing but success in the future."

Appel went 10-2 at Stanford last season with a 2.56 ERA. He had 130 strikeouts in 123 innings. His college record is 18-10.

At Monte Vista, Appel threw mainly out of the bullpen and did the same his freshman year at Stanford. In his senior year at Monte Vista, Appel went 4-0,according to MaxPreps.com. The reason for his relief pitching in high attributed mostly to the talent on the team.

He received several accolades while at Monte Vista including:

• Named one of the top-100 prep players in 2009 by Baseball America, Perfect Game, Rivals, Maxpreps and the Baseball Factory
• Named by the Contra Costa Times as the Prep Athlete of the Year in 2009 for both baseball and basketball