Scouting Notes: Kendal Volz, P, Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox pitcher Kendal Volz spent the entire 2010 season in Greenville where he posted a very impressive 6.71 K/BB rate. However, at 22, he was old for the South Atlantic League as an overslot college signing who was expected shred through younger competition. Unfortunately for Volz, 127 hits allowed in 116 1/3 IP is anything but “shredding” as his impressive ratios were somewhat offset by the fact he was so hittable.

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• Durable frame; Strong through his core; Athletic for a pitcher
• Good arm action; Looks like he should throw harder
• Landing on stiff front leg worrisome; affects follow through
• 88-91 MPH fastball
• Threw for strikes; Little movement on the pitch
• Upper 70′s curveball
• Sharp at times; Could be his best weapon
• Low 80′s slider
• Sharp, but little downward tilt

I had the opportunity to speak to Volz for a minute as I left the stadium after seeing him on his post-start run.  He seemed like a great kid and a hard worker, but I can’t help but wonder what the Boston Red Sox saw to warrant a $550,000 signing bonus?  With 2011 being his age-23 season, Volz needs to start off strong and finish the year in AA to really put himself on the map.  I believe there may be some untapped velocity left based on his size and arm action, but his landing on what appears to be an abnormally stiff front leg makes it appear as if he’s working against himself.

For now, he’s more of a fringe prospect than guy I see as a big league contributor.  However, if he can iron out his mechanical kinks, add a little velocity, and continue to tighten a curveball which has considerable potential, I can see him becoming a legitimate bullpen arm.

Thumbnail from examiner.com

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