FWIW, the Astros drafted Appel #1 overall last week and one of the media insiders (Richard Justice) said the plan was for him to be in the rotation at the beginning of next year. That could just be because the Astros are so desperate for MLB talent. What kind of ball do those summer leagues (Cape Cod or whatever?) use? Is it the college ball or the MLB ball? Don't they use wood bats in those leagues?
Not sure how often it happens but I'm pretty sure that some college teams play MLB teams for exhibition games during spring training (think I recall Florida St. playing an MLB team this year or last). Assuming that they use MLB bats/balls for these games. I think it would be interesting to let the college teams use their baseballs (i.e. harder to hit - more movement) and also their bats (which used to be a huge advantage but not sure how they compare to wooden bats now). From the MLB player's perspective, it would help them get ready for the season by facing pitchers with stuff more nasty than a typical MLB pitcher (due to the movement on the pitches).
