Confusing Evaluations

One of the most sensible pieces of advice I have heard in the recruiting process is to get objective evaluations of your kid from people who know what they are talking about. In other words, don't kid yourself about his abilities. If he is DIII in ability don't keep waiting for the major DI to come calling.

But what if the evaluations are all over the board? My son is a 2010 with an excellent bat (lefty, throws right though) whose other tools are average or below (7.2 sixty; low 80s thrower; developing power but only occasionally hits it out). In the last year he has heard this from very knowledgeable coaches/scouts:

1. Showcase coach who is a scout with MLB Souting Bureau - At first said he was a DII player, but after watching him hit for a summer said maybe mid-level DI.
2. Legion coach who has sent dozens of kids to college/pro ball and whose own son is in the majors - definite DI hitter but not sure if he is athletic enough to play at that level. Likes him as a corner infielder.
3. Mid-level DI recruiting coordinator - really likes his bat; thinks he is a corner outfielder
4. Major DI coach whose camp son attended - thinks he is a DIII player even though he said son performed very well.
5. DIII recruiting coordinator of an excellent program - likes my son as a pitcher more than a hitter.

So, you can see the dilemma. All five evaluators are experienced and respected, but there is no consensus as to my son's level or position. Of course this will all be sorted out by who actually offers him, but I'm curious if others have experienced this kind of variety from reliable experts?

 

When

eveyone sees your son in the same light he gets offers from everyone and very early. That is because he is a no brainer whos tools are obvious and stand out clearly.

Most kids do not fall into that category. He can only sign with one school so the only thing that matters is they like him and they believe he can help them win.

You answered your most important question already. You know by who offers your son.

 

Yeah, evaluations are purely subjective and in most cases you have to read between the lines. Sometimes a kid wil have a couple of tools, but his size will qualify him by an evaluator. Sometimes they will have some tools and his lack of speed will qualify him. Other times they will have average tools, but one, and that will do it, too. However, that one tool may be the one a particular school is looking for, and that will elevate him.

Although I mean no disrespect by the following comment, and I'm speaking in generalities, the old cliche, "One man's junk is another man's treasure" is appropriate. By that I mean one scout dismisses a recruit while another loves him. It happens all the time.

I gather from reading the remarks about your son the scouts all seem to agree on one thing: Your son can hit!

 

"One man's junk is another man's treasure" ...

While frustrating, this is the absolute truth, and it occur's at the highest levels of scouting.