Kendal Volz

by Mets2k9 on Jun 21, 2010 1:38 PM EDT

I'm writing this post as a forum to discuss Mr. Kendal Volz, a 9th round pick out of Baylor for the Boston Red Sox last year. Volz's numbers in college never seemed to match the scouting report, and he seemed to me, at the time, the type of guy who could be more successful in minor league ball than college at the same age( if that makes any sense). Now, from what I've read, he's got a fastball that sits 90-93 that's pretty heavy, a low 80s slider that looks very good, and a fairly inconsistent change-up. Many think that he was miscoached at Baylor, and that the Red Sox will attempt to tweak his mechanics in order to help him at some velo and movement to his pitches. He was started off this year at Greenville, and has put up some very impressive numbers:

Club (League)	Class	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	BB/9	SO/9	WHIP	STK%	G/F
Greenville (SAL)	LoA	4	2	3.39	13	11	0	0	61.0	65	23	23	5	7	47	1.03	6.93	1.18	—	1.33

What stands out to me is the walk rate. Walking 1 per nine, in my eyes, makes up for the somewhat lack of k's. So, what are your thoughts? I know we have a bunch of red sox fans here, let's hear it?

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damn you Mets!

He’s been on my watch list for awhile. Now he will be on the radar of everyone in my keeper.

Damn you! LOL

JOSH THOLE > carlos santana

by Dewey Finn on Jun 21, 2010 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

In one of my keepers, I grabbed him shortly after the draft.

Baseball makes the world go 'round, or at least in my world it does.

by Whiteyballer on Jun 22, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions

What grade would you give him?

The lack of Ks in low A from a college pitcher pretty much limit him to a C/C+ in my eyes, but interesting nevertheless. Have there been any reports that they have tweaked their mechanics, or just that it was their intention following last years draft?

by Navi's_Navy on Jun 21, 2010 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

Eh, with his makeup, low walks and hrs, and that the Sox are rebuilding his mechanics, so I've heard

I’m giving him a highly moveable C+ now. If he continues along his trajectory and starts k’ing more guys, I’d have no problem bumping him up to a B-/B

You’re name has 2k9 in it — what are you some 8 year-old who makes Pillsbury Doughboy cookies and jerks off to that bullshit video game with Tim Lincecum on the cover--
Frederick0220

by Mets2k9 on Jun 21, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

For comparison sake

Let’s compare him to my favorite low-strikeout pitcher, Blake Beavan:

Tm——-Lg—-W—-L—-ERA—-G—-GS—-CG—-SHO—-SV—-IP—- H—-R—-ER—-HR—-BB—-SO—-GO/AO—-AVG
FRI—-TEX——8—-4—-2.61-14—14——-0——-0———0—89.2—77—-26—-26——4—-12——57—1.03——0.229

There’s a lot of similarities between the two. Beavan, however is doing it at 21 years old in AA, while Volz is 22 and in Lo A. It’s hard not to argue that Beavan is a better product right now, because he’s producing roughly the same numbers against better competition.

That being said, Beavan isn’t more than a 4th starter, even if you’re really high on him, so it’s hard for me to get excited about Volz, but he’s interesting, at the very least

(and sorry for the poor formatting on the stats)

by ajake57 on Jun 21, 2010 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

Well, I think that Volz has a higher upside than Beavan

Beaven’s k rate is sitting a good 1+ under my boy Volz. Also, gotta look at the pedigree. I feel that Volz is the classic example of college guy gets miscoached, then is fixed in the majors. And, for me, age isn’t too important with pitching prospects. If a player has his development retarded by bad coaching, and enters low a at 22, I’m viewing that the same way I could any other pitcher in that situation, despite his age.

You’re name has 2k9 in it — what are you some 8 year-old who makes Pillsbury Doughboy cookies and jerks off to that bullshit video game with Tim Lincecum on the cover--
Frederick0220

by Mets2k9 on Jun 21, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

agree to disagree

that’s the beauty of guys like these. i don’t disagree with your assesment of Volz. But Beavan was a 1st round pick, so he’s got pedigree of his own. Also, the difference in the K rate is compensated for by the difference in the competition that they’re facing. I would say both of these guys could improve drasticly, but right now, Beavan is a better product for me.

by ajake57 on Jun 21, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with all of that

Much of my like of Volz is in the perceived projectability I believe we’ll see. Additionally, if I’m trusting one org to remake a pitcher’s delivery, it’s going to be Boston. That being said, Texas would be probably my #2 at this point. Also, let’s not forget that both are freakin’ giant.

You’re name has 2k9 in it — what are you some 8 year-old who makes Pillsbury Doughboy cookies and jerks off to that bullshit video game with Tim Lincecum on the cover--
Frederick0220

by Mets2k9 on Jun 21, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

If memory serves, his ‘09 struggles were thought to be more mechanical. I take his ’10 numbers with a grain of salt. His control (walks) are impressive but his overall numbers seem average at best considering he is 22 in low A ball. I don’t think he’ll remain a starter and could see his numbers improve when/if moved to the pen.

by mg050369 on Jun 21, 2010 8:35 PM EDT reply actions