Breaking Down Baseball Positions- Key Attributes and Metrics Scouts Seek

My memo-

" The Anatomy of a Baseball Player: What Scouts Look For At Each Position"

Scouting in baseball is a nuanced art, combining statistical analysis, physical attributes, and intangible qualities. Scouts evaluate players based on their potential to succeed at higher levels, assessing various metrics and skills specific to each position. My memo delves into what I would look for in players across different positions, including pitchers and catchers, along with key performance times such as running speed and catcher release times.

Pitchers

Physical Attributes

Height and Build: Ideal pitchers are often tall with a strong, athletic build. This allows for better leverage and durability.

Arm Strength: A strong arm is crucial, enabling high velocity on pitches. Scouts look for consistent velocity in the upper 80s to mid-90s mph for high school pitchers and mid-90s to 100+ mph for college pitchers.

Mechanics: Smooth, repeatable mechanics reduce the risk of injury and ensure consistent performance Skills

Skills

Pitch Repertoire: Scouts prefer pitchers with a variety of effective pitches (fastball, curveball, slider, changeup). The ability to throw these pitches with control and confidence is key.

Control and Command: Command of pitches—throwing strikes consistently and hitting spots—is essential. A low walk rate and the ability to avoid wild pitches are indicators of good control.

Mental Toughness: The ability to stay composed under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain focus throughout the game is critical.

Performance Metrics

Fastball Velocity: High school pitchers should throw in the 85-90 mph range, while college pitchers should consistently hit 90-95 mph or higher.

ERA and WHIP: Low Earned Run Average (ERA) and Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP) are key indicators of effectiveness.

Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio: A high strikeout-to-walk ratio demonstrates dominance and control over hitters.

Catchers

Physical Attributes

Durability: Catchers endure significant physical strain, so durability and toughness are essential.

Arm Strength: A strong arm is necessary for throwing out base stealers.

Agility and Quickness: Quick reflexes and agility help with blocking pitches and fielding bunts.

Skills

Defensive Skills: Proficiency in blocking pitches, framing pitches to get favorable calls, and fielding bunts are vital.

Game Management: The ability to call a game, understand hitters, and work effectively with pitchers is crucial.

Hitting Ability: While defense is paramount, a catcher who can contribute offensively is highly valued.

Performance Metrics

Pop Time: The time it takes for a catcher to catch a pitch and throw to second base. Ideal pop times are around 1.8-2.0 seconds.

Fielding Percentage: A high fielding percentage indicates reliability and defensive prowess.

Caught Stealing Percentage: A high percentage of caught stealing shows the catcher’s effectiveness in preventing stolen bases.

Infielders

First Basemen

Physical Attributes

Size and Strength: First basemen are often tall and strong, providing a large target and power at the plate.

Fielding Ability: Good footwork and soft hands are essential for fielding throws from other infielders.

Skills

Power Hitting: Scouts look for first basemen who can hit for power, often expecting high school players to hit 5+ home runs in a season and college players to demonstrate significant slugging ability.

Defense: Ability to field throws, scoop low balls, and start double plays.

Performance Metrics

Batting Average and OPS: High batting averages and On-base Plus Slugging (OPS) reflect offensive prowess.

Fielding Metrics: A high fielding percentage and range factor indicate defensive reliability.

Second Basemen

Physical Attributes

Quickness and Agility: Necessary for fielding ground balls and turning double plays.

Hand-Eye Coordination: Essential for making quick, accurate throws.

Skills

Defensive Skills: Proficiency in fielding ground balls, quick release, and turning double plays.

Contact Hitting: While power is a plus, scouts look for consistent contact hitters with good on-base skills.

Performance Metrics

Double Play Efficiency: The ability to turn double plays quickly and accurately.

Range Factor: Reflects the player’s ability to cover ground and make plays.

Shortstops

Physical Attributes

Athleticism: Shortstops are often the most athletic players, with excellent speed and agility.

Arm Strength: A strong arm is necessary for making long throws to first base.

Skills

Defensive Range: Scouts look for shortstops who can cover a lot of ground and make plays from deep in the hole.

Baseball IQ: High situational awareness and smart decision-making are critical.

Performance Metrics

Speed: Times from home plate to first base under 4.3 seconds for high school players and under 4.1 seconds for college players.

Fielding Metrics: High fielding percentage and assists reflect defensive capability.

Third Basemen

Physical Attributes

Strength and Size: Third basemen need to be strong, often with a larger build to handle hot corner duties.

Arm Strength: A strong arm is critical for making long throws across the diamond.

Skills

Reaction Time: Quick reflexes for fielding hard-hit balls and bunts.

Power Hitting: Scouts look for players who can drive in runs with power hitting.

Performance Metrics

Fielding Metrics: High fielding percentage and assists per game.

Offensive Metrics: Batting average, home runs, and RBIs.

Outfielders

Left Fielders

Physical Attributes

Athleticism: Strong, athletic build with good speed.

Arm Strength: Adequate arm strength for throws to home plate and cut-off men.

Skills

Hitting Ability: Emphasis on power hitting and run production.

Defensive Skills: Ability to field ground balls and catch fly balls reliably.

Performance Metrics

Batting Metrics: High slugging percentage and home run totals.

Fielding Metrics: Fielding percentage and assists from the outfield.

Center Fielders

Physical Attributes

Speed and Agility: Excellent speed and agility to cover a large area.

Arm Strength: Strong arm to make throws from deep in the outfield.

Skills

Defensive Range: Ability to cover significant ground and make difficult catches.

Base Running: Good base running skills and speed.

Performance Metrics

Speed: Home to first base times under 4.2 seconds for high school and under 4.0 seconds for college.

Fielding Metrics: High number of putouts and assists.

Right Fielders

Physical Attributes

Strength and Size: Often larger with strong arm strength.

Arm Strength: Ability to make long throws to third base and home plate.

Skills

Power Hitting: Scouts look for players with home run potential.

Defensive Skills: Ability to field and throw accurately from the outfield.

Performance Metrics

Offensive Metrics: High home run totals and RBIs.

Fielding Metrics: Fielding percentage and outfield assists.

My Bottom Line-

Scouting in baseball requires a detailed evaluation of physical attributes, skills, and performance metrics tailored to each position. Understanding what scouts look for can help players focus their training and improve their chances of advancing in the sport. Whether it's the speed and agility of a shortstop, the power hitting of a first baseman, or the arm strength of a pitcher, each position demands specific qualities that scouts meticulously assess to find the next baseball star. The month of August some major league teams will hold try-outs , I wrote this memo yesterday to give you an opportunity if you are a pitcher, or catcher to think what the scout will be looking at. Best of luck!