"Much as he has done all summer, Tim Melville waits.

Selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fourth round of the baseball draft in June, 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.''

Jason Cook, of Aspire Sports Management, is Melville's adviser and is handling negotiations.

"I know Tim would've liked to have this settled by now - so would I - but these things take time,'' said Tim's mother, Valerie. "The Royals offered a contract, both sides made some revisions, and now we're waiting to see what happens next. At this point, it's a little like expecting a baby; you expect it to happen, but you're not quite sure when.''

The Post-Dispatch pitcher of the year as a junior, Melville overcame a slow start last spring to become a repeat All-Metro first-teamer. He finished 8-1 with a 2.56 earned-run average; in 57 1/3 innings, he struck out 89 and walked 22. Opposing hitters batted just .181 against him.

In addition, the 6-foot-5, 205-pound Melville batted .386 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs."