MLB Draft 2013: Appel Signing Press Conference Today

Not entirely unexpected. Here's the news release from the Astros:

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have announced that they will sign right-handed pitcher Mark Appel, who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft, to a contract this afternoon. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The announcement was made by Astros Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Elias.

Appel, Elias, Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow and Appel’s agent, Scott Boras, will be available to the media TODAY at 3 p.m. in Minute Maid Park’s press conference room.

Mark Appel is the 23rd player drafted by the Astros to sign and the seventh out of the top 10 rounds. Several national media have said the Appel's signing bonus is in the $6.3M range, which is what Jim Callis of Baseball America reported several days ago.

Three college drafted players are still competing in the College Worlds Series:

Catcher Jake Rodriguez (19th RD) is playing for Oregon State tonight (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Catcher Brian Holberton (9th RD) and Kent Emanuel (3rd RD) are both playing for UNC and will play Thursday night at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Master Draft Signings List