The Art of Scouting Shortstop: Insights from My Scouting Days

“From the Backstop to the Big Leagues: Spotting a Future #1 Pick, being in the right spot at the right time." Pure Luck!

My memo-

When I transitioned from being a player to a scout, my perspective on baseball changed dramatically. As a young, cocky scout fresh off a playing career cut short by nerve damage in my elbow, I had something to prove. Scouting wasn’t just a job; it became a mission. I wanted to discover the game’s next great stars like so many, and in my first year with the Cincinnati Reds, I found myself drawn to the shortstop position—arguably the most demanding and dynamic spot on the diamond.

Early Lessons: The Value of Observation

From my playing days, I had the privilege of sharing the field with exceptional talent. My high school teammate Paul Jata made it to the Detroit Tigers, and my friend Tom Bianco reached the Majors with the Milwaukee Brewers. These experiences sharpened my understanding of what separated good players from great ones.

In my first year as a scout, I was attending a game to evaluate two specific teams. As the game wrapped up, I noticed a crack of the bat that sent a ball soaring into orbit. It was impossible to ignore. I paused, turned my head, and thought, Who the hell hit that? I hurried down to the adjacent field, determined to see this player up close.

What I witnessed still gives me chills: a shortstop with a cannon for an arm, lightning speed, and a bat that could launch balls into the stratosphere. He wasn’t just fielding grounders; he was orchestrating plays. Behind second base, he snagged a sharply hit ball, planted his feet, and unleashed a bullet to first base. The pop of the ball hitting the first baseman’s glove was sharp and distinct—a testament to his arm strength. At the plate, he had a fast bat that punished pitchers, and on the basepaths, his speed was electrifying. His name? Shawon "Sean" Dunston.

The Rookie Scout’s Blunder

Convinced I had discovered a future superstar, I grabbed my phone and called Joe Bowen, the Reds’ Director of Scouting—a bold move for a first-year scout. I blurted out, “Joe, I found our #1 overall pick!” He laughed and reminded me to follow proper scouting protocol, telling me to notify my supervisor and keep tracking the player. But my confidence took a hit when I learned this phenom was only a freshman. My heart sank. Joe laughed again and reassured me, “Just keep watching him.” I did, but by the time Shawon Dunston was a senior, he was on everyone’s radar. Scouts, general managers, flocked to his games. The Chicago Cubs ultimately selected him first overall in the draft. Still, I’ll always remember the feeling of identifying this talent four years earlier.

The Anatomy of a Great Shortstop

Scouting a shortstop requires an eye for detail and an appreciation for the nuances of the position. The shortstop is the heart of the infield, responsible for making plays that others can’t and providing leadership on defense. Here’s what sets great shortstops apart:

1. Defensive Prowess

The cornerstone of a shortstop’s game is their defense. A great shortstop must:

• Range: Cover ground on both sides, from deep in the hole to behind second base. Quick reflexes and lateral agility are non-negotiable.
• Hands: Soft, reliable hands that can field tough hops and transfer the ball quickly for double plays.
• Arm Strength: A shortstop needs a cannon. From deep in the hole or behind second base, their throws must be strong and accurate.
• Instincts: Reading the ball off the bat, anticipating where it will go, and reacting without hesitation.

Shawon Dunston embodied all of these traits. His smooth fielding and rocket arm were unforgettable, and his ability to make highlight-reel plays set him apart.

2. Athleticism and Speed

A shortstop must be one of the most athletic players on the field. Speed isn’t just for running bases—it’s for covering ground defensively and making plays most players can’t. Dunston’s combination of foot speed and first-step quickness was extraordinary, allowing him to turn potential hits into routine outs.

3. Baseball IQ

A great shortstop is a student of the game. They need to:

• Understand situational baseball and anticipate where the ball will be hit.
• Position themselves based on the batter, pitcher, and game context.
• Communicate effectively with teammates, serving as the infield’s quarterback.

Dunston’s ability to command the field and always seem one step ahead of the action made him special.

4. Offensive Contributions

While defense is paramount, a shortstop’s offensive skills can elevate their value immensely. Scouts look for:

• Bat Speed: The ability to turn on fastballs and drive the ball with authority.
• Power and Gap-Hitting: A shortstop who can consistently find the gaps or hit for power becomes a dual threat.
• Speed on the Basepaths: The ability to stretch singles into doubles and wreak havoc on the bases.

Dunston’s explosive bat and ability to hit the ball a mile were just as memorable as his defense. Add in his blazing speed, and you had a player who could change the game on both sides of the ball.

5. Leadership and Intangibles

A shortstop is often the leader of the infield, if not the entire team. Scouts look for players who:

• Show confidence and composure under pressure.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to improve.
• Elevate the performance of their teammates through their energy and example.

Dunston had a swagger that inspired his teammates and intimidated opponents. Even as a freshman, he carried himself like a seasoned pro.

My Bottom Line-

Reflections on Scouting Shortstops

Shawon Dunston’s story will always hold a special place in my scouting career. He was the first player who truly opened my eyes to what a shortstop could be: a game-changer in every sense of the word. While I didn’t get to see him in a Reds uniform, I took pride in knowing I recognized his greatness early.

Scouting shortstops taught me that talent is only part of the equation. To excel at this position, players need an unrelenting drive, an instinctual feel for the game, and the ability to perform under the brightest lights. Shawon Dunston had all of that and more—a true reminder of why I fell in love with scouting in the first place.

Manny Ramirez in High School reminded me of Sean hitting monsters.