Prospect Countdown: #18 Tim Melville

#18 Tim Melville


Age: 22
Position: RHP
Height: 6-5
Weight: 210
B/T: R/R
Acquired: Drafted in the 4th Round of the 2008 Amateur Draft
From: Wentzville, MO




In Melville's return to the pitcher friendly Carolina League he continued to tease prospect watchers. He was great in June and July and he still flashes quality stuff. But other times his stuff is inconsistent and his command is even worse. In May he posted a 5.59 ERA and in August that figure was 6.75.

Melville's fastball is still a plus pitch that can come in the mid 90s. His curveball and change still haven't found consistency and scouts say he nibbles too much. According to Baseball America there are some that believe that Melville could take off once he begins using his two seamer and slider. Perhaps, in 2012 the Royals will allow Melville to add to his mix and it will give him the extra oomph he is looking for.

I still believe in the potential of Tim Melville. Sometimes power righties take a little longer to develop than their peers. The Royals believed in Melville enough to pay him $1.25 million out of High School. With such a strong fastball, if he can't find consistency as a starter he could still develop into a strong reliever.

Melville could open the season in Wilmington or Northwest Arkansas, but my guess is the former.

Picture credit: MILB.com