Featured autograph - Mark Appel

Designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies, Appel seems destined to be a first round pick who maybe a failed prospect - still, as I see Appel as a baseball player who may not reach the big leagues, I'll always look at this clip as something to digest and really think about.

Featured autograph - Mark Appel

Despite his struggles this season, Appel is still an in-person autograph 'get' and I got him to sign a photo and a 2014 Bowman oversized Silver Ice card when he was still with the Lancaster Jethawks - while I don't really like to get 'oddball sized' cards signed, the 5x7 card simply pops.

Because of his draft status, I assume that despite a lost season, he'll get to Houston eventually - for their investment, the Astros are going to have to figure out how to put him in a position where he might enjoy some success, even if it doesn't sit well with some of their players at the big league level.

According to his profile page on MILB.com, Appel has had a 2-5 record with an 9.74 ERA - after his best start of the year on July 24, where he pitched six innings and struck out seven and walked none, he was bumped up to Double-A.

Featured autograph - Mark Appel

The Houston Astros look like they are starting to turn the corner with some top prospects promoted to the parent club - however this tidbit from Baseball America sheds some light on their supposed prized pitching prospect and the outlook isn't quite as optimistic.

Featured autograph - Yordano Ventura

With all the pitchers getting Tommy John surgery in 2014, Ventura's last start was a cause for concern - even though the hard throwing future ace is scheduled to miss only one start.

As a fan in the stands I really do not have as much invested in the livelihood of guys playing in the game - however, I am interested in which guys are future stars who capitalize on their potential and which ones that might not live up to the hype.

Pitchers' careers like Ventura are fragile, with injury potential waiting to happen in the next pitch they throw - I would hope that as many pitchers flame out, there will be a resurgence of pitchers whose careers will stand the test of time, but it's ultimately a crapshoot for any particular MLB pitcher.