Pitcher Scouting

Stuff

            Pitches (Pitch Type, Velocity Range, Present/FV Grade)

            Command and control are important but obviously, with the way the game is played, it’s more important to have velocity>command. Desirable to have good and consistent velocity. Most pitchers are likely to improve their command. This is all dependent on age and factors related to growth. A demonstrated ability to spin an off-speed pitch is important because while it may not be a final product, future tinkering would benefit from this ability. Depending on the number of pitches and quality of each will dictate if he would be a candidate for a rotation spot or if he would excel better as a swingman or a single-inning reliever.

Mechanics

            Is the delivery repeatable? All pitchers are different but I’m looking for clean and smooth mechanics, this is to feel more comfortable that the pitcher will be able to prevent future injury. Arm speed is consistent through all pitches. This can hopefully be adjusted and fixed but could stand as a negative currently, the same with a changing arm slot. You would prefer to see an athletic player on the mound and feel better about his future outcome for a litany of reasons, mainly because his likelihood for future adjustments and injury prevention come to mind. From a mechanical standpoint, I’m watching from leg plant to the break of his hands and his arm fluidity in release, how he drives through his legs and bring his body to the target. Moving parts or a herky-jerky motion to them will leave more questions and a desire to shy away. This could cause a variance of issues such as elbow problems or inconsistent results. One other point on command is that if you have good command you can locate well enough and make pitches tougher to lay off because you hover around the zone. If you have good command, you’re likely repeating your mechanics, and if you’re repeating your mechanics you’re likely to avoid injuries.

Size & Projection

It shouldn’t dictate your thoughts on the current pitcher but a larger player in height allows you to dream of what he could be. The taller pitcher can have better deception and leave batters with more difficulty picking up the pitch. They also offer an ability to pitch with a better downhill plane, length, and ability to hide the ball. The tall and lanky pitcher allows you to envision him filling out, adding velocity, and a higher chance to reach an elite level. A terrific athlete is more projectable. Therefore, you’re looking for that projection in larger and more athletic players. Projecting their stuff is another aspect to project and you want to see a feel and command for those pitches. One rule that I like to apply is that if a player did it before he can do it again. Whether that’s a sharp breaking ball for a strike followed by hangers and balls in the dirt, I want to keep the vision in my head of the pitcher’s best curveball and give the benefit of the doubt to get back to there. The pitching coaches that work with him later can help him learn to repeat that.

Makeup

            I tend to lean on the belief that players can always become better people, improve themselves as they mature, and develop into men. A scout’s job is to dig in on the information at hand about the player and learn as much as he can towards attributes he has or does not have towards makeup. I think predicting a player’s future is hard enough but projecting his makeup is based on your own digging.

Age

            You leave more room for growth and development based on the age of the player. The younger player you want to project for what he could be and the player that is older is likely going to be the outcome that you see. 

Mound Presence

            Important for the pitcher who might need to slow the game down and avoid getting rattled. Battling deep into a start and facing mental challenges when you are near exhaustion. It’s having a demeanor and poise to your temperament. Is goes hand and hand with the maturity and growth of a player but it’s a positive to see at a young age.