IP 29
ERA 4.966
WHIP 1.69
BB/9 3.414
SO/9 8.379
  • Full name William Kline
  • Born 09/10/1984 in Belden, MS
  • Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Mississippi
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (65th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007 (signed for $513,000).
    View Draft Report
    As a star pitcher and quarterback in high school in Tupelo, Kline seemed destined for stardom until his amateur career was interrupted by Tommy John surgery during his senior season. Kline sat out 2004 and has slowly regained the promise he showed in high school. He showed a penchant for pitching well on big stages, like his eight-plus innings in March against Vanderbilt when he matched David Price pitch for pitch. He was roughed up against rival Mississippi State in the regular season, then came back with a 10-strikeout performance in a complete-game win against MSU in the first round of the Southeastern Conference tournament. It's that type of determination and moxie on the mound that give Kline an edge. He works ahead in the count and uses all of his pitches to keep hitters off balance. His stuff is underwhelming--his fastball has ranged from 88-92 mph this season, and his slurvy breaking ball and changeup grade no better than solid-average--but he has plus command and moves the ball around the strike zone well. While Kline's arm action is long, he repeats his delivery and generally has sound mechanics. His durability and competitiveness are pluses, and he might be drafted as high as the fourth round.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Download our app

Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone