The Pittsburgh Pirates gambled when they selected Stanford’s Mark Appel with the eighth overall pick in baseball’s draft.

They have until Friday to make it pay off.

And judging by a report on CBSsports.com, Appel might pass on the Bucs’ $3.8 million offer and return to school.

This could be a smoke screen from agent Scott Boras to try to squeeze more for his client, or it could be a sign that the Pirates’ bet on Appel won’t pay off.

On the bright side, if the Bucs don’t get Appel, they will get a pick as compensation in the first round of next year’s draft.

We’ll find out soon enough.

– Rick Green