TOOLS THAT SCOUTS EVALUATE IN BASEBALL

TOOLS THAT SCOUTS EVALUATE IN BASEBALL

When a scout is evaluating a player they are looking at what he can do based on his position. There are no exact rules to saying a player must fit a certain type of profile. Example; if you are a power hitting second baseman that is not a bad thing. However, there are certain tools that scouts value based on position.

Pitchers –

Velocity is important. High level pitchers are usually throwing 88 – 92 mph. Left handers will have a little more leeway because they are more rare. Above all, scouts look for command. The Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau defines command as “the ability to locate.” Being able to hit the target is the most important thing a pitcher can do. Also, try to concentrate on throwing 3 pitches for strikes. I talk to way too many high school players who are working on knuckleballs, knucklecurves, split fingers, screwballs, etc. Almost none of those pitches they can throw for strikes. Develop three good pitches you can locate and work off of fastball command.

Catchers –

The first tool catchers are evaluated on is their arm strength. A good to excellent arm can carry you to the next level. Scouts are looking for catchers who throw the good runners out. It sounds very simple, but one of the catchers most important jobs is to catch the ball. Passed balls and allowing other teams to advance on the bases is also important to avoid.

First Baseman –

This is generally a power hitting position. Scouts are looking for a middle of the order hitter with average to good power. Showing your hand speed and bat speed in your skills video is important. If you are not a power hitting first baseman then you must be an excellent defensive player. Much like catching, first baseman are expected defensively to make every pick and help out their infielders.

Second Baseman –

This is another defensive position. Scouts are looking for reliable hands, quick feet and good throwing mechanics. A second baseman that can run and make contact at the plate is ideal. Being able to make all the average plays is expected.

Third Baseman –

A third baseman is an important position both at the plate and in the field. Scouts want a player who can be an average to above average hitter combined with power. Defensively, scouts want to see a quick reacting fielder who is agile enough to make plays charging in towards home. A quick release and throw with on-line carry is important.

Shortstop –

Shortstops have to be the most athletic infielders. They must have great range, above average arm strength, quick feet and soft hands. Typically, the best infielder on a high school team is the shortstop. To play at the highest level as a shortstop scouts are looking for players who can when catching the ball, seem to swallow it up. The ball will become hidden in the player’s glove. There is now a trend to find bigger, athletic shortstops with both speed and power at the plate.

Left Fielder –

This is typically a power hitting position. Scouts are hoping to see this player be a middle of the order hitter who can drive in runs. Being a gap to gap hitter at a minimum is important. Defensively, scouts want left fielders to make all the average plays and have arm strength to get the ball from the warning track to the cut off man on a line.

Center Fielder –

Center fielders must have speed and range. A strong defensive center fielder can carry himself to the next level without being an excellent hitter. Scouts want to see aggressive play with an agile, quick, alert body. Center fielders also can cover up ground lost by weaker defensive players in left and right field. At the plate scouts want to see a hitter who can get on base and use their speed. Being a consistent hitter at the top of the order is ideal

Right Fielder –

Right fielders are very much like third baseman in that a great deal is expected both offensively and defensively. This is a position scouts hope to fill with power hitting. Being someone who can drive the ball and gets the head of the bat out is a great sign. Right fielders are also expected to have the best arm strength amongst outfielders since they will have to make the long throw from deep right to third base.

These are all general guidelines for what scouts look for, but they are not set in stone. As a player you need to continue to work on all aspects of your game, especially your weaknesses. Scouts will also evaluate your character, work ethic, attitude and of course your academics. The work you do off the field is just as important as your performance on the field.