quote:see some position players who are now milb pitchers who never pitched a game in their life, where did they acquire those skills? Not in youth ball, travel or rec, that is for sure.
I have seen that for years. If you have the arm strength to throw 90 the guys often play other positions including pitching . Joey Votto switched . BB skills are BB skills and at that stage in their life they can be quickly taught to pitch or what ever. They have to get to that level.
Joey when I knew him was a catcher who was moved to 3rd base by a Seattle scout who ran an elite team . He actually pitched prior to that. He now is moved all over the field.
MiLB is a place where their teams try to max what a drafted player can be to the club. If they see a guy who can throw 90+ they will often put them on the mound. Some learn well and others bomb.
As you always point out, you can't compare a pro/ college player to a kid.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com...g/V/Joey-Votto.shtml