Bloggers...

Pretty interesting topic.

Most bloggers comment on stats so for that reason alone, I would predict that most of them would have been positive regarding your son justbb since he has indeed put up fine stats since he has been in the minors.  Sometimes with pitchers however, if you are not a big radar-gun guy (mid-90's and above), the bloggers will completely overlook you and that is unfortunate.  Doug Jones toiled for years in the minors and many mocked his underwhelming velocity (not suggesting that about your son) especially for a closer yet all he did was produce.  He eventually got his shot and became an all-star closer in both leagues. 

Baseball America carries a lot of weight so whatever their initial assessment sometimes will follow a player throughout the minors - good or bad.  Once labeled a prospect, then even mediocre stats sometimes do not get reported negatively by the blogging community.  Conversely, if you are not dubbed a prospect, outstanding stats are sometimes overlooked or dismissed.

IMHO, most bloggers have not seen the players play but some have.  Some bloggers are very knowledgeable and have earned my respect.

Regarding my son specifically, most have been pretty kind to him.  Many still do not consider him a legitimate prospect but some of them have come to respect his attitude, toughness, and productivity.  Regarding that last point, they often diminish that by saying that he is "old" for his level.  The part that always gets me about that comment is I can go out and find guys who are considered premier prospects, similar in age, but nowhere near the production.  Their age is hardly ever mentioned and their lack of productivity is many times excused.

For my son and I, we basically have the attitude that only two opinions count - his and mine.  I still read the blogs however - good and bad.

I agree with CD on just about entire post.I find it maddening at times.I agree that if not labeled a prospect by the "EYES" who ever they are,you have to continually put up numbers to even get noticed.Even with numbers,the too old for the level,the not a toolsy player,etc etc.

Some scout reports are brutally honest.I think you need to read with an open mind.Players can outplay these guys predctions.Our sons have done is year in and year out.

I also have come to the conclusion that we have no control over any of it.so read with caution and know that you r son would not be where he is now unless he was very talented.

As they move up the ladder,the criticism is more astute as all the players are that much better.Every level brings more talent as others are released.

Ive read the same blogs as you justbaseball. Your son will do awesome.

I think that JBB was refering to websites where the guys have no formal background in bb other than they watch the game or played in HS, college and bigtime fans.   They draw conclusions and make statements and have no clue what is going on.

An example, a pitcher that I know had come down with the case of yips, his lines were really tough to look at, and they were relentless on him.  Needless to say he is still playing and doing well.

I respect the people who know what they are talking about and are legit writers, I have to kind of laugh at some of the stuff written about many players on some of these blogs.

My sons agent, a very wise and smart individual told me a long time ago not to read anything, positive or negative and also has passed that advice onto son.  The reality is that no matter what, no matter what people or bloggers say, the long of the short of it is what matters to the people who pay your salary every month. They are the ones who determine where you will fit into their organization, or maybe sometimes you won't, but most are very lucky and get second chances. I will admit that over the years I have read them, and the articles, good and bad, but to be honest, at this point and time I am over it.  At this stage in the game, it's up to son to prove himself to get his prospect status back.  It doesn't matter what anyone thinks or says but the organization he will report to shortly.

It's funny how we give advice here about recruiting, not to read into everything but I find that I haven't always followed my own advice.  It is very hard to know what the men who control your sons future are thinking, sometimes you know, as in the case of JBB son, being rewarded from all of his hard work with a spot on the 40.  Now the fun begins and he has to prove that he belongs, and there will be supporters and there will be naysayers (as with all of our players), even when you make it they will always be there.

Enjoy the ride!

Yeah I have read several blogs about justbaseballs son and know exactly the things he talks about.Since our sons are in the same organization,both on the most extreme ends of the spectrum,his son on the 40 mine just went through rookie ball at 22.Too old for the level.

I agree TPM I am over it.But I see what justbaseball is talking about.Some of these guys are pretty harsh.It is guys not involved with the team directly.The team itself is positive about their players.Its the analysts,random guys who start blogs about prospects.It is hard not to read.

I think his son being on the 40 man is under a microscope more than for example my guy is at rookie ball.

But as I said he wouldnt be on the 40 man,not on that loaded team unless the front office really thinks highly of him.

With that said it still I am sure stings.

I will enjoy watching just baseball son this year and am rooting for him a lot,as I do with all the HSBW players.

Wasnt it Jeter that said he reads no press bad or good about himself.

Baseball is a game of extreme highs to lowly lows.The players who can deal with that mentality can rise above and do better than many predict.

Thanks for the kind words everyone.  Was hoping not to let it focus on my son...even though I used blogging about him as an example.  Just meant it as a little 'therapy' in the general sense for all of us presently...nervous...parents.

Anyways, the good news is...he doesn't read them! 

Its just me... 

Good that your son doesnt read them.My son reads nothing.

I stay off the sites but do enjoy the fellow that on his own covers the Nats minor league system.Good site,informative about just the minor league levels.he prepares and is very insightful.Its helped us understand how it works at the minor league level.

Yup...Tanner Roark.