Kendal Volz, RHP, Baylor - 6'5" 225 lbs. (Throws R | Bats R)

 

Scouting Report

Strengths: Has a big frame and can pump his fastball up to 97 with good sinking action (usually sits around 92-95). Has a hard tight slider (could be considered a curve) and is used as an out pitch. Has a decent change as well. Usuaully has good command, and has very good poise on the mound (closers mentality?)

 

Negatives: Is he a starter or reliever? Has some flaws in his mechanics and needs refinement. Has not had a good junior year.

 

Scouting Report Links

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/...sp?content=volz

http://www.brewerfan.net/ViewAmateurPlayer...7&draftId=7

http://redsoxprospects57174.yuku.com/srepl...ng-Reports.html

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/5/3/86...ge-pitchers-for

 

Kendal Volz, RHP, Baylor

Volz's performance hasn't quite matched his potential yet. He's 3-5, 4.00 with a 71/33 K/BB in 74 innings, 73 hits allowed. His components are above average for context, but he lacks consistency. At his best, he has a 97 MPH fastball and a plus slider, but both his velocity and control will slip when his mechanics aren't right. His ceiling is impressive but he's still polishing up his game, and like several of these guys he could go later in the first round.

 

Statistics

2009 - 4.00 ERA | 3-5 W-L | 1 CG | 74.1 IP | 73 H | 33 BB | 71 SO | 9 HBP | 44 R | 33 ER | .264 Opp. BA

 

2007 & 2008 - http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/V/Kendal-Volz.shtml

 

Bio

http://www.baylorbears.com/sports/m-basebl...z_kendal00.html

 

Video

 

Project Draft Slot

In the 30-70 pick range

Player Comparison

Brad Lidge

My Take

Volz is a very intriguing player who can eventually either be a starter or reliever. He dominated as team USA's closer over the summer, but has struggled somewhat as a starter this year. He has a lot of upside though and could be worth pick 23. If he's there at 38, I'd definitely take him.

 

If he doesn't make it as a starter, he could be an impact player out of the pen.

Edited May 20, 200916 yr by BearSox

Right now it sounds like he might get one last shot as a starter in college but that theres a good chance that ultimately he ends up in the pen, but regardless, he has a shot to be a high impact pitcher. I also agree that I probably pass on him @ 23 (take him over IU's starter though) and pounce on him in the supplemental round.

Is it just me or does his follow through scream "kerry wood lite"? Also that snap action on the first video...that is some serious strain on that shoulder.

He got rocked against Nebraska over the weekend, and his stock has been falling steadily. Right now I have him projected anywhere from 30-70.

A guy like him around 70 would be nice.

Absolutely terrible mechanics. Has torn labrum written all over him.

Absolutely terrible mechanics. Has torn labrum written all over him.

 

That's what I said too about the Kerry Wood-lite crack a few replies earlier...

Today vs Texas he got the save in his first relief outing....14-9 Baylor in a whacky game.

Volz was a guy I thought the Sox should target early a month ago or so. But his stock has definitely been slipping of late. I read the velocity on his FB has gone down considerably. Not sure if that's health related or not. BA says he could slip to the third round.

Its looking more and more that he has to move to the pen. Looks like he doesn't have the arm to be able to stay as a starter. Getting him even in the 2nd round at pick 71 would still be nice.

Looks like he's fallen into the 3rd round range, if not farther. He'd be a great pickup at 102 for us and a very similar pick to our usual pitching picks in the past 2 years. Someone with really good stuff, but needs refining.

If he ends up being a nice sign I could totally see the Sox targeting him. If he thinks he's still going to get top round money, they'll pass. But if were going to reach in the 2nd round, I am cool with it cause i love his arm.