As is always the case with MSN headlines, the one about the Phillies parting company with a first-round draft pick was misleading. While Mark Appel made his ML debut with Philadelphia last year, it was the Astros that drafted him with the #1 overall pick.

Appel’s journey hasn’t been easy-whether of his own doing or not. The attached tweet is both realistic and not very hopeful. It sounds like he’s ready to walk away, again. However, he was taken with the first pick for a reason, and I imagine there are a few clubs willing to take a chance on him. The Cubs recent success with castaways has been pretty good. I don’t know what his financial situation is, nor do I have any idea what he’s willing to do to get back to the big leagues, but I know the Cubs are confident in their pitching lab.

Phillies make difficult decision on former No. 1 overall pick (msn.com)