Today: FLA Prospect Chris Volstad
A first round pick in 2005, prep pitcher Chris Volstad was expected to go to college, but he couldn't resist the $1.6M signing bonus that the Marlins dangled in front of him. A very tall righthander, Volstad is one of the stable of young power arms that promise a glorious future in South Florida.
Developing primarily in A ball, Volstad has made steady progress at three stops. He's still a way from harnessing his potential, but he's showing glimmers. While the 2.13 ERA he started with at Jamestown increased to 3.08 at Greensboro and then 4.50 at Jupiter in 2007.
| Yr | Tm | Age | Lvl | W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | K/9 |
| 2005 | GCL Marlins | 18 | R | 1 | 1 | 2.33 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 27.0 | 25 | 14 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 8.67 |
| 2005 | Jamestown | 18 | A- | 3 | 2 | 2.13 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 38.0 | 43 | 19 | 9 | 0 | 11 | 29 | 6.87 |
| 2006 | Greensboro | 19 | A | 11 | 8 | 3.08 | 26 | 26 | 0 | 152.0 | 161 | 73 | 52 | 12 | 36 | 99 | 5.86 |
| 2007 | Jupiter | 20 | A+ | 8 | 9 | 4.50 | 21 | 20 | 2 | 126.0 | 152 | 76 | 63 | 8 | 37 | 93 | 6.64 |
| 2007 | Carolina | 20 | AA | 4 | 2 | 3.16 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 42.2 | 41 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 10 | 25 | 5.27 |
Volstad is good with his fastball, a low-90's snapper that he can locate to either side of the plate. His curve, recently enhanced by Florida coaches, could be a real plus offering once Volstad learns to control it. In the mean time, he's been relying on a straight change that's slightly above average. His tall stature and complex delivery are a bit worrisome, and it's possible his mechanics could fall out of whack at any time, but Florida has a great development staff that should keep him on track.
Volstad has an excellent chance at breaking into Florida's rotation in 2008, and while he's not likely to set the league on fire, he does project to be an excellent middle of the order pitcher in the very near future.
Update: working at AA Carolina, Volstad is looking like his usual solid self, with a 2.96 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 70 innings of work. He's likely to spend at least a little time in the Florida rotation before the year is over.
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