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Reply to "Question about Bat Speed (Tee Exit Velocity)"

Update:  Nick Allen is hitting .208 with a .272 SLG through his first 100 At Bats as a 19 year old in A Ball.  That's OK though, a lot of 18 & 19 year olds struggle in that league (Midwest League) and it is just a small sample of AB's.   He is listed at 5'9" 155 pounds and perhaps the lack of ability to hit for power is one of the reasons why a kid projected to be a 1st Round pick by many slipped to the 3rd Round and is struggling now.

Nowadays the pros seem to want big power out of every position unless you are an absolutely elite Shortstop (which Nick Allen may turn out to be) and even then, many pro teams seems to be sacrificing some defense at short in order to get more pop out of that position.

Makes me wonder if a kid like Nick might've been better off playing in college for 3 years first and developing more strength?

From talking to a lot of scouts, recruiting coordinators and travel program directors, Exit Velocity isn't *that* big of a deal in comparing one player to another provided that the player reaches a minimum benchmark for exit velocity. 

If an athlete doesn't have at least a 90 mph Exit Velocity most pro scouts and D1's will write that player off as "not a prospect at this time", unless they bring something else elite to the table such as a 6.5 sixty or a 90+ mph arm or an incredibly slick glove.

And even low level D3's are looking for 85+ mph exit velos.

If a high school freshman or sophomore isn't hitting those benchmarks yet, that is OK it just shows they need to get into a dedicated strength program and keep working at it.

As mentioned earlier in this thread, you will see players who have the ability to consistently barrel up a ball with a great swing and will hit line drives into the outfield with just a 75-80mph exit velo.  The thing is, as they get higher up in the Baseball world, that lower exit velo swing will never work against pitchers throwing 90+.  The bat speed just isn't quick enough.

A kid who can consistently barrel up 75-83 mph fastballs for 275-300+ feet line drives, in games, with a 75-80mph exit velocity, who then through hard work over a few years gets to a 95+ exit velocity (at the very least 90 mph) while maintaining a great swing?  That is a recipe for success.

 

Last edited by 3and2Fastball
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