[76lsjumb]

Suggesting that he was hypnotized by some evil Professor Moriarty type does him a disservice.

Whoa...not sure where that came from. 

I've re-read the string and don't see anyone claiming Appel didn't do what he did knowingly or intentionally.  Certainly, that isn't what I meant. 

I was simply scratching my head wondering why Boras is so highly thought of, when he can take someone who appears to be a pretty good prospect [and even touted as a potential #1 pick] and manage to negotiate that person...back to school. 

From what I can tell Appel is pretty intelligent, a very thooughtful guy, and [based on the games I saw this season] a lot of fun to watch.  I'm thrilled he's coming back.  I just hope [as others have said] that the plan works out and, if he doesn't have a long, successful career in the Majors, he [at least] manages to pull a Zito and/or a Lincecum [i.e., be successful and get the big, guaranteed contract BEFORE it all seemingly comes apart in a flash] as opposed to getting hit next year by one of the possible risks that others have mentioned.

Also, if the Pirates were such jerks, I would have assumed we'd all be enjoying watching Gaffney running the wildcat for 6-7 yds/play again in a few months...

[76lsjumb]

Suggesting that he was hypnotized by some evil Professor Moriarty type does him a disservice.

Whoa...not sure where that came from. 

I've re-read the string and don't see anyone claiming Appel didn't do what he did knowingly or intentionally.  Certainly, that isn't what I meant. 

I was simply scratching my head wondering why Boras is so highly thought of, when he can take someone who appears to be a pretty good prospect [and even touted as a potential #1 pick] and manage to negotiate that person...back to school. 

From what I can tell Appel is pretty intelligent, a very thooughtful guy, and [based on the games I saw this season] a lot of fun to watch.  I'm thrilled he's coming back.  I just hope [as others have said] that the plan works out and, if he doesn't have a long, successful career in the Majors, he [at least] manages to pull a Zito and/or a Lincecum [i.e., be successful and get the big, guaranteed contract BEFORE it all seemingly comes apart in a flash] as opposed to getting hit next year by one of the possible risks that others have mentioned.

Also, if the Pirates were such jerks, I would have assumed we'd all be enjoying watching Gaffney running the wildcat for 6-7 yds/play again in a few months...