WHAT TO LOOK FOR
ARM Players showing fluid arm action and easy release will normally have strong arms. Look for
“carry” on the ball - seeing how strong the ball stays up on the line of flight about halfway from the point of release to the point of being received. Most strong-armed outfielders’ throws will skip and appear to take off upon contacting the ground. Look for this when throws are made from the outfield. On occasion when the fielder or catcher has a poor release point, but shows enough flexibility in the arm, you must make a judgment as to the player’s aptitude for making a mechanical adjustment. This means a player starting from 3/4 or sidearm coming up over the top for improved arm strength. Another area to look for in the grading of an arm is “release quickness.” How fast is the player getting the ball out of the hand and on its way? This is most important with middle infielders and catchers. Arm strength can also be improved by proper follow through, getting into position to throw, raising arm angle, etc. However, the degree of upgraded improvement will usually be slight. Muscular, short-armed athletes will usually not show “plus” arm strength. For a player to be a premium prospect up the middle, the player must have a strong arm.
FIELDING A strong arm and defensive skills can and do carry a player to the Major Leagues (usually up-the- middle positions). A live, active lower body, quick feet, agility, instinct (right spot at the right time), and alertness are some of the qualities that go into the makings of a Major League infielder. Look for the infielder who, when catching the ball, seems to swallow it up. The ball becomes hidden in the glove as it is caught. When you observe these traits, you will normally see a strong defensive player. Bad habits, such as stabbing at the ball, stiff arms, straight up stiffness and dragging feet in fielding techniques usually produce a lackluster fielding performance. A slow-reacting, stationary player will most likely not become a quality fielder. Some poor habits, however, have proven correctable with hard work, so do not totally write off a player that has some of these bad habits. Gracefulness is another desirable attribute and range can be improved through hard work. The outfielder who is slow reacting, doesn’t anticipate, resting-on-the-heels type, will, in most cases, never become skilled defensively. Look for an aggressive, ready to go (first step in) player with an agile, quick, alert body. This type of player can refine defensive play by implementing such things as the crossover step, charging ground balls and proper positioning to eventually become a productive outfielder. Watch for the outfielder with an attentive eye during infield practice since sufficient game action to make a judgment is remote. REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR - PAGE 1
CATCHING Catching is a key position to zero in on and one of the most difficult. Strength, durability and a strong arm are definite requisites. This is also a position in which the player’s defensive skills could carry the player to the Major Leagues. Along with arm strength, release time is important in the player being classified as a prospect. Arm strength and release should be graded while the player has the full gear on, as well as being in a squatting position. If you do not have the luxury of viewing the player in considerable game action, your judgment will have to be made during the infield practice period. Caution should be taken evaluating catchers during infield practice as they will often times throw from in front of home plate, putting themselves much closer to second base. The qualified catcher, like the infielder, should demonstrate an active lower body with quick feet showing mobility. If these are not natural traits, the one-handed receiver is also acceptable. However, the one-handed receiver must catch the ball consistently, showing smoothness in receiving. The player should not be fighting the ball and dropping it. Catchers can learn to bring the ball into themselves by relaxing their hands and extending their arm. The player must show alertness (aware that every base runner is a potential base stealer), anticipation and leadership qualities. Be aware of the flinchers and head turners. These habits are very difficult to correct. Be cautious when observing these habits in catchers. Some catchers who lack a power arm can still become a prospect. They must, however, show a quick release with accuracy. Look for the catcher who throws out the good runners. That’s the bottom line!
RUNNING Running speed is easily judged. As a scout, you are provided with a stopwatch that will assist you in making this judgment. There are, however, some methods to improve running, especially if a player has a poor style. The sloppy side-to-side, arm waver type is a player whose running can be improved with good coaching. Be aware of the player whose swing and follow through are so long that the player may be restricted in properly getting out of the hitter’s box. This will affect the actual running time to first base, but it may not mean the player is a below average runner. Indicate the actual running time grade in the appropriate place, but indicate in the abilities section of your report a statement such as “better runner under way” or “better runner first to third.” Speed is very seldom improved upon to any noticeable extent. REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR - PAGE 2
HITTING The most difficult judgment decision of all scouting categories will be your appraisal of who will hit and who will not. Certain attributes are found in most quality hitters. In your decision- making, look for some of the following: strength starting the bat, generating bat speed full arm extension and follow through after making contact head stays on ball lack of fear, butt stays up at plate short stride top hand is evident upon making contact and follow through head of bat does not lag aggressive, hits first good pitch short strokes, yet ball jumps off bat bat goes to ball
Look for possible mechanical adjustments that could bring about improved future performance such as lowering hands, raising hands, opening stance, closing stance, shortening stance, widening stance, tucking shoulder in, hands away from body, etc. Position yourself to view the hitter from behind home plate (look for fear) as well as off to the open side (look for hand action, the arc of the swing, as well as the plane of the bat). Hitting faults to be aware of: fear wrapping the bat hand hitch long stride sweeping the bat upper cutter head pulling dead bat (doesn’t get it started)
Remember this, some hitters are natural hitters. They may do some strange things, but they can and do hit. Don’t be concerned with their uniqueness. They can just hit. They will probably get to the Major Leagues because they can hit, regardless of their style. REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR - PAGE 3
PITCHING Strength, stamina, aggressiveness and agility are starting places in evaluating the pitcher. Then arm action, delivery and the ability to win come into consideration. Effortless, easy arm action and a free delivery usually generates a live arm, which manufactures velocity. Throwing hard is important, but equally important is movement and deception. Some pitchers can be lacking in outright arm strength, but with movement and/or deception, they prove to be winners. Velocity can be judged by the use of radar guns, the hitter’s failure to make contact and/or fouling pitches off and total strikeouts. These are all measuring devices to assist you in making a judgment. The fastball should be judged from behind home plate for movement as well as for speed. Additional viewing should be done from the side to observe delivery and arm action. Be aware of pitchers throwing across their body, not rotating hips and locking themselves with a stiff front leg. Also watch out for pitchers that don’t fully follow through, have a stiff back and finish straight up. Furthermore, opening up of hips and shoulders too soon, not staying tucked long enough, restrict the arm action and follow through that eventually produces the required velocity. However, many of these faults are correctable in the player that has shown aptitude, flexibility in the arm, and desire. Curveballs and sliders are usually slow in reaching Major League standards, especially for high school pitchers. However, evidence of proper spin, tight rotation, downward movement, flexible wrist, proper follow through, all point toward the prospect developing a productive breaking pitch. In evaluating pitchers, the quality change up and forkball are seldom seen, but as you assess the player’s ability or inability to develop these pitches, a judgment can be made. Control is an essential tool as the pitcher climbs the professional baseball ladder. In the early stages of development, command is a plus to see. If command is not yet refined, but the pitcher is solid in the other skills such as the delivery and arm action, control will usually come as concentration is attained. Freak pitches and deliveries have gotten pitchers to the Major Leagues, however, they usually come in later years of development. Projections based on these pitches are dangerous. If the player currently relies on them, the player is most likely not qualified. The good athlete will often show fielding skills. A live body and quick move on pick-off plays are favorable signs if observed early. Skills of this kind can be taught or at least improved upon. REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR - PAGE 4 Your final analysis on pitchers should be from the many combinations of projected qualities that will bring about winning results. You must look for and project the pitcher’s total future capabilities when you finally say, “This is the one I like.” For a young prospect to finally become a daily productive pitcher in the Major Leagues, mechanical adjustments must be made along the way. An important part of your job lies in your ability to decide which players demonstrate the aptitude and body flexibility that will allow them to make adjustments and develop into Major League players.
WHO IS AND WHO IS NOT PROJECTABLE? Not all players improve. Qualities of a player most likely to improve are: • being dedicated, devoted, a tireless worker, willing to listen • lean, wiry, lacking in physical maturity • having come from a baseball program with dedicated coaches • having had limited experience, needing more playing time • flexibility in body • physically strong
Qualities of the player who most likely will not get better are: • laziness, not motivated • muscular, bound up body • other interests outside of baseball • not interested in listening • not hungry, not aggressive
MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS
• Pitcher — arm strength, proper arm action and delivery, mental toughness, movement
• Catcher — arm strength, defensive skills, durability, agility
• Middle Infielder — agility, quickness, arm strength, soft hands, instinct • 3B, lB- arm strength, defensive skills, quickness
• Outfielder — agility, quickness, speed, fielding skills, arm strength
It is very difficult for a Major League player to be a productive, everyday performer if the player does not have at least two grades of 5 (average) or better. If the bat is the strong suit, to be a contributor the player should also have a grade of 5 (average) or better, in one of the run, throw or field categories. If the bat and speed are strong enough, the arm can be deficient and the prospect could still be an everyday player and a contributor. The quality bat will make up for a lot of defensive weaknesses, but it must be quality- meaning high average, strong homerun production or both. REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR - PAGE 5
HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN YOU SEE A PROSPECT? • A certain excitement will stir from within. • You have a gut feeling. • You will want to jump from your seat! • The report will be easy to write. You can hardly wait to send the report to your office. • You will want to shout, “I’ve got one, I’ve got one!” CAUTION Some players achieve success because of determination, aggressiveness and strong desire. Although these qualities can bring success, be careful not to be influenced by desire alone. Strong tools are what usually carry the player to the Major Leagues.
Ability and desire, then you have a star!
DO NOT SCOUT PERFORMANCE! • The player who goes 3 for 4 or strikes out 12 with a little, tiny curveball isn’t necessarily a prospect. • Look for the player with a strong, flexible body. • Watch for things the player does mechanically that will eventually bring results and success.
Ask yourself the questions: • “Is the visible mechanical fault that now prevents the player from performing successfully, correctable?” Or, • “Does the player have the type of flexibility in the body where an adjustment can be made that will bring about satisfactory results?”
Yes to these questions most often means Prospect!
REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR - PAGE 6
COMMUNICATING WHAT YOU SEE You will find it a requirement in becoming a successful scout to be a totally dedicated, organized and disciplined person. You must coordinate your daily, weekly and monthly activities in such a way that the fast moving work calendar won’t catch you short.
Communicating with your Major League organization is one of your most critical responsibilities.
Forming the habit of doing your paperwork each evening will prove beneficial to you. You will find that your thoughts remain fresh and clear in your mind as you record information on the respective players. Attacking the task each evening will also eliminate the frustration of getting behind and overwhelmed.
Your scouting director will expect neatness and clarity on every written report. A black ballpoint pen is best suited for hand written reports, but if possible, writing the report on a computer or typewriter will provide the most professional results.
REMEMBER, your scouting director reads numerous reports daily. You are communicating valuable information that is necessary to prepare a selection list each year.
Your reports should be succinctly done, using a vocabulary that will clearly paint the picture and tell the story of who and what this young player is and what degree of playing proficiency the player displays.
The scouting director says, “You are asking me to spend our organization’s money to acquire this player. Tell me why I should do this.” When reporting on a player, it is also your responsibility to know and record any current injury or history of injuries or illnesses.
Signing the player is of paramount importance. Your responsibility in gathering sufficient information regarding the player’s interest in becoming a professional baseball player is most instrumental as the scouting director makes a decision to select the player or not.
REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR - PAGE 7
WHAT IS AVERAGE?
Hitting- Future Grade
Present grade in hitting ability is based on a mechanical evaluation, not a current performance at the Major League level.
Future grade in hitting ability is a projection of the player’s potential as a hitter at the Major League level. Listed below is the grading scale for hitting.
Batting average Grade .320 and above 8 .300-.319 7 .286-.299 6 .270- .285 5 .250- .269 4
.220 - .249 3 .2l9 and below 2
NOTE: These future numbers are revised based on a comparison of batting averages for two time periods: 1974, 1975, 1976 vs. 1993, 1996, 1997 (1994 & 1995 were not used due to reduced playing schedule per players’ strike).
Power-Future Grade
Present grade in power is based on a mechanical evaluation and raw strength, not a current performance at the Major League level.
Future grade in power is a projection of the player’s potential as a home run hitter at the Major League level. Listed below is the grading scale for power.
Home Runs Grade 35 and above 8 27—34 7 20—26 6 15—19 5 10—14 4 05—09 3 00—04 2
NOTE: These future numbers are revised based on a comparison of home runs for two time periods: 1974, 1975, 1976 vs. 1993, 1996, 1997 (1994 & 1995 were not used due to reduced playing schedule per players’ strike).
REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR PAGE 8
Fastball Velocity
Present and future grade for fastball velocity is based on a scale utilizing radar gun readings. As of the 1998 Free Agent scouting season, the MLSB uses the fast or hand reading in identifying fastball velocities.
Fastball Readings Grade 96 and above 8 94—95 7 92—93 6 89—91 5 87—88 4 85—86 3 83—84 2
Running Times
Present and future grades for running are based on the following scale of times. In your report, use the corresponding grade, not the actual running time.
RHH LHH 4.0—8 3.9—8 4.1—7 4.0—7 4.2—6 4.1—6 4.3—5 4.2—5 4.4—4 4.3—4 4.5—3 4.4—3 4.6—2 4.5—2 REVISED 8-13-01 WHAT TO LOOK FOR - PAGE 9 FORMULA FOR JUDGEMENT Regardless of any new concept in scouting and the changes that have occurred, the qualities of a good scout remain basically the same: • coverage • judgement • prompt reporting • putting the prospect in the proper category • organization • dedication • common sense • hard work
If you desire, you may use the following formula to put the prospect in a particular category. We use these designations to classify players that we feel have professional ability:
OVERALL FUTURE POTENTIAL PLAYER CLASS 80—65 STAR 64-50 REGULAR 49—40 FRINGE 39-38 ORGANIZATIONAL The REGULAR category falls between OFP 50 — 64. What we are saying is that there are varying degrees of players called REGULARS.
MLSB GRADING SCALE 8- EXCELLENT 7- VERY GOOD 6-GOOD 5- AVERAGE MAJOR LEAGUE 4- BELOW AVERAGE 3- WELL BELOW AVERAGE 2-POOR REVISED 8-13-01 FORMULA FOR JUDGEMENT - PAGE 1
POSITION PLAYER
I. HITTING STANCE: closed, open, wide, straight up, crouch, toilet seat
2. HITTING APPROACH: body mechanics and hand actions in preparation to swing bat
3. SWING: strength and quickness
4. PLANE OF SWING: upper cut, level, down 5. POWER: live bat, extension for home runs
6. ARM STRENGTH: describe rotation and carry; long arm release, short arm, proper action
7. FIELDING: hands, mechanics, instinct reactions to ground ball or fly ball, range, agility
8. RUNNING: explosive first step quickness, base stealing potential, runs better 1st to 3rd, etc
9. STRIDE: graceful, effortless, long, choppy, max effort
Example VERY TALL, STRONG BODY. BROAD, SLOPED SHOULDERS. STRONG HANDS. PROP LEGS. BODY TYPE SIM TO EX-ML, DAVE WINFIELD.
WIDE, SLIGHT CLOSED STANCE. PROPER HITING MECH.
NO KNW INJS.
STRENGTH, QUICKNESS IN SLIGHT UPPERCUT SWING FOR FUTR AVG PWR ALL FIELDS. PLAYABLE ARM STRENGTH, PROPER ACTION, ON-LINE THROWS. OUTF DEFENSIVE ACTIONS, HANDS, INSTS, PLUS FIELDER. STRONG RUNNER, LONG, POWERFUL STRIDES.
DEAD RB HITTER. WILL CHASE BREAKING BALL & OFF SPD AWAY. SLOW OUT OF BOX, BETTER 1st TO 3rd. INCONSISTENT THROWER, BUT IT’S IN THERE.
POT PWR HITTING CORNER OUTF. PLAYS THE GAME HARD. TEAM LEADER. HARD WORKER. 4.2 GPA. STANFORD IN PICTURE. BORAS ADVISING.
The most sought alter baseball skill and the question asked the most often in scouting a position player is: Will the player hit or possess power? Address this first in the Abilities section of your Free Agent or Follow Report. The other skills should be described in order of their importance for whatever position the player will play.
The exception to this would be for the middle infielder who occasionally receives a reprieve from the emphasis on hitting. Your report may change to initially start with describing the defensive skills first in the order of sequence.
Work with the Weaknesses category in the same organized format as the recipe for Abilities, asking the basic question, “Why can’t the player or pitcher perform?” Use only mechanical faults. Describe what restricts the player’s physical skill.
The Summation category allows you to summarize the player’s strengths and weaknesses using your judgement to project the player as a future Major League player.
Include strong, concise picture words along with your evaluation of the player’s make-up or intangible qualities which would enhance his development. Include any pertinent signability information.
REMEMBER, THERE ARE ONLY TWO BASIC REASONS A PLAYER WILL IMPROVE HIS PHYSICAL SKILL LEVEL:
1. physical maturity, strength
2. adjustments of minor mechanical faults
SCOUTS CAN’T MAKE PLAYERS, THEY MUST HAVE TALENT!
REVISED I 25-00 - PAGE 4- SECTION 13 PHRASEOLOGY PITCHERS
DELIVERY
FULL WIND-UP SEMI WIND-UP NO WIND-UP SET (STRETCH)
POSITIVES:
BALANCED DELIVERY PITCHES DOWNHILL SMOOTH (FLUID/EFFORTLESS/EASY) DELIVERY DECEPTIVE DELIVERY
NEGATIVES:
DOESN’T FINISH TOWARD HITTER (SPINS OFF) RUSHES (LACKS HIP TURN, LACKS BALANCE) THROWS ACROSS BODY LANDS ON STIFF FRONT LEG STIFF DELIVERY MUSCLES BALL RECOILS OVERSTRIDES, LANDS ON HEAL MAXIMUM EFFORT LATE HAND SEPARATION
ARM ANGLE OVERRAND HIGH-3/4 3/4 LOW -3/4 SIDE ARM SUBMARINE
ARM ACTION POSITIVE:
QUICK ARM GOOD EXTENTION LOOSE (FLUID, EASY, EFFORTLESS) ARM ACTION PROPER ARM ACTION
NEGATIVE:
CUTS EXTENTION OUT FRONT WRIST WRAP SLOW ARM SHORT ARM HOOKS ARM BEHIND BODY DART THROWER LONG, SLOW ARM ACTION DROPS HAND UNDER BREAKING BALL
FB AND FB MOVEMENT
POSITIVE:
EXPLODING BORING LIFE HEAVY SINK SINKING/TAILING/BORING/CUTTING/RIDING/FB MVMNT ARM SIDE MOVEMENT
NEGATIVE:
NOT ENOUGH FB TO CHALLENGE STRAIGHT CURVEBALL
POSITIVE:
DOWNER/THREE QUARTER ROTATION SHARP/HARD/BITING/TIGHT ROTATION
NEGATIVE:
SLURVE/FLAT ROTATION SWEEPING/SPINNING/LOOSE ROTATION
CHANGE UP
POSITIVE: DECEPTIVE MAINTAINS ARM SPEED THRU RELEASE SINKING/FADING MVMNT MAKES FB LOOK BETTER
NEGATIVE:
SLOWS ARM
SLIDER
POSITIVE: SHORT/QUICK/TILTING/LATE BREAKING
NEGATIVE:
WIDE/SWEEPING/FLAT SLURVE ROTATION BREAKS FROM HAND
OTHER
SPLIT FINGER/KNUCKLEBALL/SCREWBALL/FORKBALL/PALM BALL CONTROL
DEFINITION:
CONTROL IS THE ABIL1TY OF THE PITCHER TO THROW HIS PITCHES IN THE STRIKE ZONE.
COMMAND IS TILE ABILITY TO LOCATE THE BALL IN EXACT LOCATIONS IN THE STRIKE ZONE AT ANY TIME.
POSITIVE:
THROWS STRIKES PITCHES AREAD IN THE COUNT
NEGATIVE: NO COMMAND NIBBLES WILD IN THE STRIKE ZONE
POISE
POSITIVE: MOUND PRESENCE COMPETITOR CONCENTRATION COMPOSURE WINNER
NEGATIVE:
LOSES EMOTIONAL CONTROL INSTINCTS
POSITIVE:
MAKES ADJUSTMENTS ALWAYS IN THE RIGHT SPOT
NEGATIVE:
ROBOTIC/MECHANICAL PLAYER
AGGRESSIVENESS
POSITIVE:
WANTS THE BALL BULL DOG TYPE BATTLES CHALLENGES ATTACKS THE HITTER TOUGH AS NAILS WORKHORSE
NEGATIVE:
TENTATIVE/TIMID APPROACH
PHRASEOLOGY HITTING
POSITIVE:
PROPER HITTING APPROACH SLIGHT UPPERCUT USES WHOLE FIELD AGG AT PLATE BALL JUMPS OFF BAT GOOD BAT SPEED QUICK WRISTS GOOD EYE GOOD TRIGGER CAN BUNT FLUID STROKE PATIENT HITTER LIVE BAT FLUID, EZ, RHYTHMIC SWING
NEGATIVE:
TROUBLE ADJUSTING TO FB FOOLED EASILY W/ OFF SPEED GRIPS BAT TOO TIGHT LONG STROKE LUNGES OVERMATCITED BY FB TENDS TO OVER SWING SOFT CONTACT HAND HITCH TOO TENSE AT PLATE SHOWS FEAR
POWER
POSITIVE:
STRENGTH, EXT, AND QUICKNESS FOR HR PWR. (AWESOME HR PWR) RAW STRENGTH FOR AWESOME HR PWR. (MCGWIRE PWR, LIGHT TOWER PWR) GOOD LIFT FOR PWR GAP PWR (ALLEY PWR, LINE DRIVE PWR) LIVE BAT UPPERCUT SWING
NEGATIVE: WARNING TRACK PWR (LIMITED PWR) (NO PWR) DOESN’T DRIVE BALL PUNCH HITTER (JIDY HITTER) (PING HITTER) DOWNWARD TYPE SWING RUNNING
POSITIVE:
FIRST STEP QUICKNESS RUNS BETTER UNDERWAY GLIDING ACCELERATION LONG, FLUID STRIDES SMOOTH, GRACEFUL RUNNER EFFORTLESS STRIDES LEADOFF TYPE SPEED RUNS EZ
NEGATIVE:
CHOPPY STEPS LABORING RUNNER SLOW OUT OF BOX HEAVY LEGGED RUNNER
BASE RUNNING
POSITIVE:
CAN STEAL A BASE ANYTIME, INSTINCTIVE RUNNER DISRUPTIVE ON THE BASES EXCITING BASE RUNNER (ELECTRIC) RUNS BETTER 1 TO 3
NEGATIVE:
STATION TO STATION RUNNER NOT A BASE CLOGGER
ARM STRENGTH AND ARM ACTION
POSITIVE:
PROPER ARM ACTION AND HAND SPEED GOOD ARM ACTION PROPER THROWING MECHS. ONLINE VELOCITY AND CARRY PROPER ROTATION ARM PLAYABLE (ADEQUATE)
NEGATIVE:
(STIFF), MECHANICAL THROWING ACTION THROWS SINKERS/CUTTERS THROWS TAIL AND DIE, LACKS VELOCITY RUSHES THROWS, LOSES VELOCITY SHORT ARM ACTION
FIELDING
POSITIVE: QUICKNESS AND AGILITY (QUICK FEET) SOFT HANDS, BALL DISAPPEARS IN GLOVE QUICK, SMOOTH TRANSFER GROUND BALL INSTINCTS SETS FEET TO THROW CAN THROW FROM ALL ANGLES PROPER FIELDING ACTIONS EASY, FLUID DEFENSIVE ACTIONS (GRACEFUL FIELDER) FLEXIBLITY AND QUICKNESS TO BLOCK PITCHES (CATCHERS) FRAMES PITCH WELL (CATCHERS) TRACKS BALL WELL (OUTFIELDERS) INSTINCTS AND REACTIONS FOR CF
NEGATIVE:
HARD HANDS (STIFF) LIMITED FLEXIBILITY FIELDS BALL DEEP BETWEEN FEET STAYS BACK ON GROUND BALLS (LETS THE BALL PLAY HIM)
RANGE
POSITIVE:
LATERAL QUICKNESS (EXCEL/GOOD) INSTINCTIVE JUMPS ON FLY BALLS GAP CLOSER NO FEAR OF FENCE
NEGATIVE:
LIMITED FIRST STEP QUICKNESS (LATE REACTIONS) POOR ROUTES ON FLY BALLS (OUTFIELDERS) FENCE SHY SLUGGISH ACTIONS LIMITS RANGE
INSTINCTS
POSITIVE:
MAKES ADJUSTMENTS ALWAYS IN THE RIGHT SPOT
NEGATIVE:
ROBOTIC/MECHANICAL PLAYER AGGRESSIVENESS POSITIVE:
GAMER, PLAYS HARD FIERCE COMPETITOR INTIMIDATOR COMES TO PLAY EVERYDAY MAKES THINGS HAPPEN CHALLENGES HITTER/PITCHER
NEGATIVE:
LACADASICAL NO FIRE WILTS UNDER PRESSURE TIMID
PHRASEOLOGY Pitcher (Cont’) DELIVERY: quick thru rel point doesn’t finish toward hitter rushes from stretch lacks hip rot too upright in del throws across body just a thrower good plane of del recoils doesn’t use lower half strong hip turn good ext & follow thru tall on backside del faults hard to correct cuts off ext out front l ands on stiff front leg pitches downhill stiff del, muscles ball smooth del overstrides max effort pitches uphill throws easy wrist wrap lands too hard out front, losing balance del corrections will bring more strikes MISC: crafty LHP too many pitches lacks pitching experience fresh arm, not many innings must improve offspeed pitches for chance projectable front line starter sets hands too low in stretch, arm drags tries to coast in non-pressure situations doesn’t have stuff to work inside must have great command to be effective must avoid going deep into count stuff not projectable must dcv an out pitch converted inf/of needs more innings to dev not afraid to pitch inside good move to lB needs improved command not overpowering for size no reliable pickoff move will find a way to beat you strong arm stuff gives player a chance wants pro ball will reach back for extra fields pos well pitching coach’s delight creates own problems hides ball well keeps runners honest pitches upstairs too much below avg stuff but changes speeds & locates well laboring arm action & del faults cause control problems REVISED 08-25-03 REPORT WRITING — PAGE 13
PHRASEOLOGY (Cont’) PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONS: strong, well built overall body strength strength thru chest area strong legs big feet some phys maturity remains futr strength gains minimal thick, barrel chested muscular thighs & legs country boy strong live, ath body excel flexibility more strength w/maturity strong facial features live energetic body tall, large frame long, tapering legs wide hips ML pitcher’s body long fingers room to fill out, get stronger some stiffness in upper body heavy thru mid section near full maturity a phys specimen sinewy long limbs short torso built like former ML?? definition to shoulders tightly wound well prop wide shoulders soft thighs rounded shoulders fair muscular dev tall, lanky build solid, compact build lacks upper body strength trim, wiry build limited growth pot can handle more wt compact frame powerful upper body impressive physically may have to watch wt in futr square shoulders long, loose arms sloping shoulders big hands ath body slender build lean, wiry frame shallow chest long, thin waist sturdy build no tush soft body high strung ordinary build frame has strength w/room for continued dev legs more dev than upper body not body type to add much wt or strength
SUMMATION: interested in pro ball not interested in school signed letter to UCLA leadership qualities used only in relief long range project unhappy in col situation father former ML pitcher difficult sign for worth academic status unknown overworked by coach betting on bat and power not a great student knows how to win good ath, ftbl, bsktbl, BB will be a tough sign good student parents college oriented will learn consistency deceptively robust mechs correctable brother in pro ball has not passed SAT plays with emotion will sign very signable competes well hard worker explosive ability org type player exciting to watch good makeup
player knows how to perform needs to come up with 3Id pitch needs pro instruction & exp to realize pot major col ftbl in picture will require patience & good coaching also pitches, no prospect there needs to mature phys to reach pot too many innings this Spring bat will determine level of play minimal progress during college years can’t ignore the arm and body