Speed and arm are easy to rate
But what about hands,range,and the more subjective things that need to be evaluated including the projection of a player. Are many of these ratings nothing more than someones opinion? I have read the "what scouts look for" section.
Is experience (looking) all it is? Or is it more measurable?

Coaches will look at 'actions'. This includes footwork, throwing form, body positioning when fielding the ball, etc... Hard to measure, IMO. You've got to know what you're looking for.

Casey,

Thats a great question. I have been interested in scouting for a long time - and have paid close attention the last few years to the process.

I think what you will find - from the better organizations for HS/College players - are scouts that not only have a real feel for the game - but also possess a very deep knowledge of the subjective talents you mention.

Some things - IMO - like range and softness/quickness of hands are pretty easy to identify - while others like projectability are much more difficult.

What I have learned is just how difficult the process is - it may appear to be easy at times - but I have come to really appreciate the difficulty involved in being a "good" scout.

Good luck.

Two other things that is important are field presence and instincts.

In most cases these things cannot be taught and impact the overall evaluation. These are usually not seen in a "tryout" but are noticed during games.

Casey,

I forgot the most important thing: We have several scouts on this board - including both college and professional.

I think they can provide you with some real-life insight into the process.

As the number of showcases you attend increased and you were able to compare players in a consecutive order in fielding drills, each having the same sequence of balls hit to them, you could compare tools rather quickly. Scouts who do it for a living I'm sure could break it down even further and more quickly. Games are nice but sometimes that infielder will get 2-3 plays a game.

If I were a scout and looking for tools I would want to put the pressure on players and give him a dozen shot in a row, going in different direction, at different speeds, and then compare him with others. Not perfect, but it does seem efficient.

casey ...your right to a degree, it is subjective alittle, however, as mentioned these scouts are very experienced and look for key things. Some of which can be visualized. How well does he go to sides, front and back. It is easy to compare range by hitting alot of balls to a prospect like rz1 noted. The more the interest, the more the scouts will look. When my son was approached...the same comments were coming from different people. Good hand, good movement..good range, etc. Since the comments were very similiar, I think the criteria for judgement by these scouts is very similiar and consistent.

Scouts and coaches will also look for how quickly a middle infielder gets rid of the ball, how his velocity is in relation to the quickness of the release, how he throws on the run..which can include release time, velocity and accuracy.

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Originally posted by caseyatbat:
Speed and arm are easy to rate
But what about hands,range,and the more subjective things that need to be evaluated including the projection of a player. Are many of these ratings nothing more than someones opinion? I have read the "what scouts look for" section.
Is experience (looking) all it is? Or is it more measurable?

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Hi Casey, Each Pro scout will have things that he looks for. I look at the bat first.....if he can hit, then I will watch him closely to see how he fields during games. I will watch his range, how he turns the DP, how he comes in on a ball, out on a ball, how he throws from different angles, what kind of first step quickness and anticipation he has.

But, as I said at first, if I don't think he will hit, he will lose my interest quickly.

Very good info.
Thanks everyone