Posted June 8, 200519 yr When the Marlins grabbed the Palm Beach Gardens pitcher with the 16th overall selection, Volstad was more than delighted. He was ecstatic. "It couldn't be better. A Florida boy, playing for the hometown team, it's awesome," Volstad said after receiving numerous hugs and handshakes from family members and friends who gathered at the Volstad home Tuesday afternoon to listen to the draft unfold on MLB.com. Baseball America had projected that Volstad ? a 6-foot-7 right-hander who was rated the top pitching prospect in the state ? could go as high as the 15th overall pick. When the White Sox selected Texas Christian pitcher Lance Broadway with that pick, an anxious silence swept through the Volstad home. "The Marlins are up next," Volstad's father, Ken, shouted. A few hushed seconds later, the announcement came, and Chris Volstad breathed a sigh of relief as he hugged his parents. There were smiles everywhere. "Now I can relax, finally," Chris said. Volstad said the Marlins, whose Class A Florida State League team plays at Roger Dean Stadium ? only about five minutes from Volstad's home ? had been in contact with him several times in the past few days and that he had a feeling they would take him if he was available at No. 16. "They didn't say it directly, but it seemed like a good possibility," said Volstad, who is the sixth Palm Beach County high school graduate in seven years to be drafted in the first round. "Not only do we like him, but he likes us," said Jim Fleming, the Marlins' vice president of player development and scouting. "It's a great fit." Volstad signed a letter of intent with the University of Miami in November, but when asked Tuesday what the odds of him going to college are now, Volstad quickly responded, "Zero. One hundred percent, I'm going to sign with the Marlins." more CHRIS VOLSTAD A Marlin
June 8, 200519 yr I would be excited to be drafted in the first round regardless of where I end up. That signing bonus probably pwns.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.