STL Post-Dispatch: Holt’s Melville hopes to sign deal with Kansas City soon

Selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fourth round of the baseball draft in June, [Tim] Melville, a hard-throwing righthander from Holt High in Wentzville, had his patience tested as negotiations progressed slowly this summer.

But with the signing deadline set for 11 p.m. Friday, Melville is confident his professional baseball career will begin shortly.

“I’m ready to start playing again,’’ the 18-year-old said. “It’s been a little frustrating, but it’s a complicated process. The last thing I heard from my adviser was that the contract had been sent to the commissioner’s office. Once it’s approved, they’ll return it to me to sign and then I guess I’ll find out where the Royals want me to report.’’