Clock ticking: Sox picks Kline, Volz remain unsigned

by Randy Booth on Aug 17, 2009 8:18 PM EDT in News

While most of the big names like Reymond Fuentes, Alex Wilson and David Renfroe were signed in a relatively quick fashion, the Red Sox still have two top-10 round names that have yet to sign.

Branden Kline, a 17-year-old pitcher out of Maryland, and Kendal Volz, a 6'5" right-handed pitcher out of Baylor, have yet to sign contracts with the club.

Teams have until midnight to sign draft picks.

According to Baseball America, Kline is expected to attend Virginia while Volz may receive an over-slot bonus.

Kline dominated high school competition this year. He struck out 79 in 41 innings of work. He allowed just 16 hits in that span.

Volz is projected as a reliever. He has three-plus pitches and a fastball that has been clocked at 97 m.p.h. but, according to this scouting report, sat in the 88-92 range in one game.

Whether the Sox sign Kline and Volz or not, at least they're not in the Nationals' position right now: No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg remains unsigned.

Wait -- is that a good position, or a bad position? I guess we'll find out at 12:01 a.m.

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I think the Strasburg debacle will be good for the Nationals

Its highly unlikely this kid will turn out to be worth what he wants, $50 million. So why pay him? For the publicity? The top 3 picks are all unsigned, all Boras clients. Let em walk and get the picks next season.

The problem is not Strasburg or Boras or the Nationals, its the drafting system. How can a kid who has not pitched one inning v MLB talent be worth more than a veteran who has 5-10 years experience and averages 10-15 wins a year? People balked at Dice-K and his price tag, but at least he had pitched to major league talent at some point in his career.

Boras is going to do us all a favor and hold out for more money like the greedy bastard he is and spark the conversation that has been needed for 15 years, revamp the amateur drafts all at once, Latin, Pacific and US, and put a rookie slot/cap system similar to the NFL and NBA.

And before the Pro-Boras people start to pick me apart, just ask yourself is Steven Strasburg better off, i mean his career, signing for $15 million now and getting into a major league system or holding out and playing for the Newark Bears or going back to SDSU until next season’s draft? If you choose the 1st answer, then Boras has failed at his job.

The most nervous person in this whole mess is Tony Gwynn…he knows if Strasburg comes back and is not amazing or gets hurt, he will get blamed.

by SoxAcumen on Aug 17, 2009 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

Pro-Boras?

There is such a thing? The man is a douche.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Aug 17, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you're mispronouncing it...

It’s not Pro-Boras, its Probe Boras. In the imperative…

Rock me, sexy Jesus...

by nuthinboutnuthin on Aug 17, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Well there goes Volz

Just signed for 550K.

Hey, it’s not MY money. Doubt Kline signs. More likely a Luke Bard or Jimmy Patterson.

by South Coast Ghost on Aug 17, 2009 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

Wow. I'm surprised to see Volz sign. Good job, Sox.

I’ve got faith that the organization can bring him back to top form. Look what they managed with Bard.

by Ben Buchanan on Aug 17, 2009 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

Imagine Volz setting up for Bard one day

Unstoppable

I didn't like the old one very much. I didn't see the ball there very well. - Julio Lugo on the old Yankees Stadium.

by Charged on Aug 17, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope so, but if not, not a big loss

Last I heard his mechanics on the Cape were still out of sync. Maybe some rest and some extended coaching time will help. But if anyone can do it, the Sox can.

by South Coast Ghost on Aug 17, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions