2015 TCB Astros March Madness: Conrad Gregor vs. Mark Appel

Just a reminder; voting will stay open for 24 hours for each of these match-ups, and there will be one match-up per day. For a complete breakdown, check out the introductory post if you haven't already. Here's a link to the updated bracket. Get those votes in while you can!

Round Three, Match Six

Conrad Gregor, 1B

Drafted in the fourth round out of Vanderbilt in 2013, Gregor became one of the fastest movers in the system, beginning the 2014 season in Single-A Quad Cities, advancing through Lancaster, and ending the year in Double-A Corpus Christi. That’s a lot of adjustments to make in one season, and his batting line suffered once he hit the Texas League, but once he has time to make adjustments, he should be able to handle the high minors better. His swing is simple and uncomplicated, he has an advanced eye at the plate, and he has shown excellent pitch selection: In Lancaster, he drew more walks (27) than strikeouts (25). He doesn’t have ideal power for a first baseman, but is capable of muscling the occasional ball over the wall. -- Anthony Boyer

VS.

Mark Appel, RHP

I just can’t...well I guess I should. I’m a big Appel fan and anything I say about last season runs the risk of being called an apologist. The time in Lancaster was dreadful. Double-A was better.  AFL was very good and at times called dominant. The stuff is still there to be a top of the rotation type, but he needs to tighten up his command and attack hitters. He seemed too hesitant this year. -- Subber10