Talent Spotting Uncovering Hidden Gems in Baseball Prospects

My memo-

“Unlocking Potential the Art of Projecting Future MLB Stars”

Becoming a scout is not just about watching baseball games; it is about understanding the game at a deep level and having the ability to project a player's potential to compete at the highest level. One of the fundamental tools in a scout's arsenal is the 20-80 scale, a universal language used to evaluate players across various positions. But beyond simply assigning grades, a scout must possess the foresight to determine whether a player has what it takes to succeed in Major League Baseball (MLB).

When evaluating a player, a scout considers not only their physical attributes but also their mental makeup, work ethic, coachability, and intangible qualities that can often be just as critical to success as their physical abilities. For example, a player may possess exceptional raw talent, but if they lack the drive to continually improve and adapt to the demands of professional baseball, their potential may never be fully realized.

Let us delve into the evaluation process using an example of a high school third baseman: These single numbers represent 40, 50, etc. I came to see this 3rd baseman and this is my general report.

Range (4): The player demonstrates average range, which may be sufficient at the high school level but could be a limiting factor in the highly competitive environment of professional baseball. However, it is important to consider factors such as footwork, anticipation, and instincts, which can compensate for average range to some extent.

Fielding (4): Similar to range, the player's fielding skills are solid but may not be exceptional enough to stand out among MLB-caliber third basemen. A scout will assess the player's ability to read hops, make quick decisions, and position themselves effectively to make plays.

Arm Accuracy (4): While accuracy is important, MLB third basemen are expected to make precise throws consistently, and this player's accuracy may need further refinement to meet those standards. A scout will pay close attention to the player's throwing mechanics, footwork, and ability to make accurate throws from various positions on the field.

Arm Strength (5): A strong arm is a valuable asset for a third baseman, and this player's above-average arm strength is a positive indicator of their potential at higher levels of competition. A scout will assess the player's ability to make strong, accurate throws across the diamond and potentially turn double plays with ease.

Running Speed (3): Speed is less crucial for a third baseman compared to other positions, but below-average speed could be a limiting factor in terms of defensive range and baserunning ability. However, a scout may consider other factors such as agility, quickness, and base-running instincts when evaluating a player's overall speed and athleticism.

Power (3): MLB third basemen are often expected to provide some offensive punch, and this player's below-average power may raise questions about their ability to produce runs consistently at the professional level. However, a scout may also consider factors such as bat speed, plate discipline, and the ability to drive the ball to the gaps when assessing a player's power potential.

Hitting Ability (3): Consistent contact is essential for any hitter, but this player's average hitting ability may not be enough to excel against MLB pitching. A scout will evaluate the player's swing mechanics, approach at the plate, and ability to make adjustments to different pitch types and velocities.

Based on this evaluation, the scout determines that while the player may have potential, he is not currently draftable out of high school. Instead, the scout believes that the player would benefit from further development and refinement of their skills at the collegiate level.

The key to successful scouting lies in the ability to project a player's future potential based on their current abilities and tools. While every scout may have their own criteria for evaluation, the goal is to determine whether a player has what it takes to succeed in the major leagues.

For this scout, the priority is not just finding talented players, but also ensuring that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By guiding promising players towards college programs where they can continue to develop and mature, the scout plays a vital role in shaping the future of baseball talent.

My Bottom Line-

?Evaluating players against major league standards requires a combination of expertise, intuition, and foresight. By understanding the nuances of the game and the specific demands of each position, scouts can identify players with the potential to succeed at the highest level and help guide them on their journey to the major leagues. Through careful evaluation and mentorship, scouts can make a lasting impact on the careers of aspiring baseball players and contribute to the continued growth and success of the sport.

**** If you have an opportunity to Scout for a MLT I caution you on how you grade a potential player, 50 should be the limit above 60, 70, 55 now this player should sign, and the full time Scout will make the final determination. **** It is very important you fill out player information card, and send it in to your supervisor in order to get credit for this player. If NOT the full time scout will take credit, and I have seen that more than I wanted.

Best of Luck!!!

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