The 2013 MLB Draft was full of expected picks and one very confused commisioner. Mark Appel was selected eighth overall in the 2012 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates but he failed to sign, so he returned to Stanford University for his senior season and the move paid off.
Appel went first overall to the Houston Astros this year, but not before commissioner Bud Selig butchered the draft year.
“With the first selection of the 2000 first-year player draft, the Houston Astros select Mark Appel,” Selig said as he announced the first pick.
Wait, the year 2000? Yes, we all know Bud Selig has made a major impact since becoming the head of the Major Leagues in 1998, but he surely botched the draft year on Thursday on multiple occasions.
The 78-year-old went on to use the year 2000 over and over again with the No. 6 overall pick and the No. 8 draft pick. That’s three faulty year calls in the first 10 picks, but it wasn’t enough to overshadow Mark Appel’s big day.
Appel turned into the premier pitcher in the draft out of Stanford after another stellar season wearing the Cardinal uniform. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound hurler sported a 2.12 ERA in college this year with a 10-4 record and 130 strikeouts.
He’s now set in place to sign a contract with the Houston Astros to try and make his way to the Major Leagues. The Astros could use his help as they’ve fallen to the bottom of the MLB with the Miami Marlins, much less the American League, with a well below average record of 22-39.
The MLB Draft has been setup to make struggling teams contenders again and Mark Appel may just be the pitcher to get it done in Houston next to standout Bud Norris. His time will surely come, but he’ll first have to prove himself in the minor leagues.
While we wait, here’s a look at Bud Selig “2000 gaffe” during the 2013 MLB Draft that he couldn’t get enough of on Thursday night.
[Image via Mookiefl ]
