Question for Mlbscout

Thanks very much, MLB! Given the way I know your workweek is heating up, the delay's understandable.

Players: Note that he might see 3 or 4 games in a day. What that translates into is "portions" of a game...and, sometimes, I'll bet that "portion" is pretty well limited to warmups and maybe the first couple of innings. Or, then, maybe it tranlates into a couple of mid-game innings. The points are (1) that you can be seen by people who "count" ANYTIME you're on the ballfield...including warmups and (2) that it's probably going to be for a limited amount of time. Better make the best of the WHOLE time you're on that field if you want to play past high school.

 

Very good point, Prepster.

 

While we're on the subject of scouting here, here's an interesting article about the life of a Milwaukee Brewers' scout in New England:

Article


By the way, I ran across it on one of the High School Baseball Web's message boards.

HSBaseballWeb Message Boards

 

MLBscout, I know scouts look at other things besides velocity when analyzing a pitcher but just out of curiosity, what type of velocity do you generally look for from a 17-18 year old kid who relies heavily on his fastball and has a slightly above average changeup/curveball?

 

Not to evade your question, but the velocity is dependant on the physical maturity of the boy. If I feel that he will make large future gains in size and strength, I can live with a lower velocity. Also, if he has correctable mechanical flaws, the velo need not be the major consideration. With respect to the offspeed stuff, do you mean slightly above average for a HS pitcher or a ML pitcher?

 

MLB, I have seen several times that scouts like to watch the way a player warms up before a game, that his demeanor and attitude along with attention to the task at hand mean bunches. Do you agree with that statement?

 

Yes, I do agree. I like to watch the player stretch, jog, and warm up. You can see how flexible he is as well as get a good idea of his overall athleticism. Also, how he goes about his business is often an insight to his work ethic and overall makeup.

 

Bump for info

 

One thing I've always been worried about as a player, is having one bad game the day that scout is there. Does one bad day rule out (expecially if it's first day) a player? And if a kid has a bad day but you've heard a lot about him, do you rule him out on your own? Or do you confront the coach?

 

That reminds me of a story

about Will Clark when he was in high school. Coach Polk came to see him play. Will wanted to go to Miss State very badly and had not been offered any scholarhip opportunities yet. It was late in the year and he was pressing at the plate in an attempt to impress the college coaches. Wil was told that Coach was coming to see him play so he was nervous. He struck out all three times he got up that day and was very upset in the dugout after the game. Coach Polk said to Wils HS Coach "Tell the boy I loved him and I will be in touch soon. He has a beautiful swing and is a terrific player." Later in the week Wil signed with Miss State and the rest is history. The fact is scouts are looking for tools. You can have a bad game and still show terrific tools that will play. You can go 4-4 and make every play and not show the scouts the tools they believe are needed to play at their level.

One bad day is no different than one good day. Its just one day. Keep banging away and keep working hard.