I think Gray would be more dominant as a closer. Too early to tell though. He's got electric stuff. I think what it comes down to is which player will be ready in 2-3 years when we expect the astros to be relevant again. I'm thinking Appel is that guy.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/ask-ba-which-draft-prospects-have-80-tools/ What are the 80 tools in this year’s draft? Roger Whitehead Greenville, S.C. Evaluators rarely break out the top grade on the 20-80 scouting scale, but I believe there are three tools worthy of an 80 among the top prospects in the 2013 draft. Those three are Oklahoma righthander Jonathan Gray’s fastball, San Diego third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant’s power and Maryland high school outfielder Matt McPhearson’s speed. Gray (No. 1 on our Top 100 Draft Prospects list) has a fastball that’s notable for more than just its velocity, which is plenty notable because he operates at 94-97 mph and reaches 100 as a starter. His heater also has heavy sinking life and he has upgraded his command of the pitch. Bryant’s (No. 3 on our Draft Top 100) power has been apparent for a while. It made him a borderline first-round pick coming out of a Nevada high school in 2010, though his signability scared teams off. We noted in our Preseason All-America coverage that he had the most usable pop in his draft class, but he has found a new level as a junior. Bryant hit three homers over the weekend, boosting his total to 28, a school record and nine more than any other player in NCAA Division I. He has outhomered 228 of the 296 teams in Division I. His combination of bat speed, strength, pitch recognition, discipline and barrelability give him elite power. McPhearson (he’ll be near the top of our Draft 101-250 Prospects list on Friday) is the fastest player in his draft class, though he has been slowed by a tender hamstring this spring. When healthy, he has been clocked as quick as 6.22 seconds in the 60-yard dash, which earns him comparisons to Michael Bourn and Ben Revere.
Yeah, I keep reading on draft sites how there is some worry surrounding Gray's throwing motion, and that Appel has the size and throwing motion to be a workhorse. I'm leaning towards Appel and Bryant as my choice's for #1.
I would assume that means future rather than current. I've never seen a scout give an 80 power ranking. Speed is where I've seen the most 80s (Billy Hamilton has seemingly upgraded what 80 speed is though).
Appel also has the more advanced secondary stuff. I'm taking Appel, though he does make me nervous (I worry he might be another Luke Hochevar).
Appell definitely worries me. In some ways, he seems like an advanced pitchability guy: none of his offerings seem plus-plus, but everything's above average. That plays really well in college, but I want to see a dominant offering at the 1.1 pick. Bryant seems like a guy that could fly through the system. There's a little swing and miss to his game, but he's basically not getting pitches to hit at this level. His numbers are unbelievable, even compared to last year's top bat (Mike Zunino).
Like last yr, since there isn't that clear cut #1 pick, I highly expect the 'Stros to do what they did with the top pick. Cut a deal at a reduced rate to free up additional money to sign more players. However, Appel has Boras as his agent, and I doubt Boras will want to do this. That said, Appel/Boras weren't able to get what they wanted last yr from the Pirates, and thus he went back to Stanford for his Sr yr. He won't have the luxury of going back to Stanford this yr, and thus his bargaining power will be reduced. I doubt he wants to sit out the yr, and try his luck again in next yrs draft. I just don't see Boras advising his client to sign a reduced deal. Each team has X amount to pay their picks. Wouldn't Boras tell the 'Stros that Appel isn't going to sign a reduced rate contract in order to be the #1 pick, and take his chances on a team picking 2-4 and possibly paying him more? The 'Stros also aren't going to draft Appel if they can't come to an agreement before they have to make their pick.
Keep in mind Bryant is facing sub-par competition at USD. Don't get me wrong, 29 HRs is remarkable no matter who you're facing, though. Against top competition in the Cape Cod league in 2011 he hit .223, and last summer for team USA he hit .271 with a respectable, but not great, OPS of .876. He tied for the team USA lead in strikeouts, also. I'm still in the Appel camp.
I think bryce harper got an 80 on the power, didnt he? Im starting to hope we pick bryant more and more. I cant believe the draft is near...time has gone by really fast for me
http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/prospectsdraft-chat-with-jim-callis/ My question was answered!!! (Brian in Houston)
