Changing positions

Maybe we should read between the lines. I think the scout is basically saying he doesn't see a future for him at 3B period. I think he says this because of his size and I assume his lack of HR power because of his small size. But to tell him he would be getting a "lot more looks" as a CF or a middle infielder may be sugar coating his harsh remarks about his bleak outlook at 3B. There is much more to playing big time college and professional baseball than range and quickness. There are 5 tools speed, hitting with power, hitting for average, arm strength, fielding or playing your position ----- range and quickness are necessary to excel at #5 in the IF and OF but are not singled out as being one of the five important tools.
Fungo

VERISIMILITUDE: The sense that what one reads is "real," or at least realistic and believable. For instance, the reader possesses a sense of verisimilitude when reading a story in which a character cuts his finger, and the finger bleeds. If the character's cut finger had produced sparks of fire rather than blood, the story would not possess verisimilitude. Note that even fantasy novels and science fiction stories that discuss impossible events can have verisimilitude if the reader is able to read them with suspended disbelief.

I must confess that I had to look up "verisimilitude." Basically, it means having the appearance of authenticity and truth.

Others probably have w-a-y more knowledge than I do about this subject, but I would wonder why this player isn't already playing MIF or CF if he is that quick and versatile. Are there others who are faster or more agile than he is? If he is getting lukewarm looks from colleges, most likely the disinterest is not due to his size (5'10" is not exactly a shrimp), but due to his abilities. I guess it couldn't hurt to pursue a change in position, but I would wonder how successful that change might be.

If he is playing 3B because he is needed there (i.e., he has the strongest arm in the infield), that might be a different matter. JMHO

I was in the process of writing when Fungo was posting. What Fungo writes makes sense.

Never heard that word before but I like it. Doubt I'll ever use it because no one knows what it means

How does one go about changing positions btw? Hey coach, I think I'll be the starting SS now so it will improve my chances beyond this level?

Uusually your fastest player is in CF. Usually, your best defensive player is at SS. Corner infielders and outfielders are generally your power positions. If he has none of those attributes, it is probably going to be difficult to play those positions. Moreover, at the next level, more often than not, your 3d baseman, SS's, 2b, and other positions were often SS's in high school. Either he is a MIF or he isn't. Right now it does not appear like he is. If his speed or power is questionable, his chances in the outfield may be questionable as well.

If you can hit, then ___________________?

Goes back to at a young age make sure your kid plays as many positions as possible, No one can say what a scout or coach will need or projects. Hard to change as a senior if you have not done it somewhere before. I've seen players try to play the OF after growing up exclusively in the middle infield and not being able to do it.

Many say most college players were shortstops at one time or another, as well as a pitcher because they had the athleticism as well as arm strength.

Position evolution can happen under several circumstances such as whats best for the team, or whats best for the player.

Mine was a SS/Pitcher. His HS coach, a former D1 standout would come to games as far back as his 7th grade, when he took the job first as an assistant.

Entering the 9th and the Varsity, coach put him at SS and in the rotation, and after game #1 of his HS career, the coach said when he gets to college baseball, they will make him a centerfielder or rightfielder because of his size, speed, arm, and power.

To this day, I am still on the fence with this decision and I suppose time will tell. So my kid spent 4 years patroling CF for his HS team and CF/RF for 3 years with his 18u summer team, and RF for his Scout team. At a workout back in 2006 with the scout team, they let him drill in the infield and he made every play. Go figure. I always figured a SS with a corner bat would be a Premium. Still feel that way.

Now a Freshman in college(RF), they want him to continue improving on his reads and routes......

Point is, you can always get better, and if you hit, they will find a position for you.

Typically a coach or scout will have a pretty good feel based on a players athleticism and actions whether or not they will be able to handle a position switch. Good points regarding a move to short. If you are a shortstop, you play short, you don't move there. As for the other positions, a lot will depend on footspeed and lateral quickness.

Furthermore, if you can hit someone will find a place for you. At the very least you will be given an opportunity to prove that you are not capable of playing any other position.

Here's a thought: Why not put the gear on and jump behind the dish. Everyone is always looking for a catcher, and if he has decent hands and feet and can hit someone will give him a shot to catch.

I'm glad I could add a new word to the mix...although, like someone said, it may never get used.
as far as the 3rd basemen, he can hit very well (best attribute)... has a live arm and can cover ground. so yes he has a corner bat but other players at SS and 2nd have played those positions all through high school so a change is unlikely even though this kid (my friends son) can play MIF and CF if he needs to. but you get to the point where "when do you start transitioning?"....it is a bit late in my eyes and I was just surprised the scout said that.

If he can really hit, a college will give him a shot regardless of position. At that point the conversation needs to take place regarding what position they envision him playing and what their thoughts are on moving to the middle of the diamond. It never is really too late, as players are frequently drafted and immediately moved to another position. In fact it is always interesting that several players are selected in each June's draft and when the announcement is made, he is announced to have been selected at a position he has limited or no experience playing.

quote:

.it is a bit late in my eyes and I was just surprised the scout said that

Gosh, I don't think it is too late at all, if he is that calibre of player. He is actually more on the front end of his playing career in terms of truly competing at a level that will consistently challenge his skills.
While changing positions might be a challenge, it will also provide him options and opportunities. While there are exceptions(Bill Mueller comes to mind), most ML organizations view 3B as a power production source. So, you see guys like Rolen, Glauss, ARod, Lowell, Beltre, etc.
I think that scout was projecting, for the most part, correctly.
In terms of changing position, he will have to be a player who gets to practice early and stays late, and have good coaching/coaches who will do the same.
When you get to Milb, there is a lot of value in playing 2B, SS, 3B and the outfield, especially if you can produce with the bat.
OS8 is quite correct when he says that being able to hit forces you into the lineup. When you are versatile, and willing to spend the extra time to learn and be able to play multiple spots, you can find you end up playing 130-140 games and getting over 500 AB's in a minor league season.
It happened with our son, and I don't feel he is all that uncommon.

Great feedback everyone. thanks! I think the bottom line from all the posts is that if you hit, there's a place for you at any level of baseball. I noticed something interesting today while looking at D1 rosters, on a mid-major D1 roster i found the following player...check the height/weight out. I really don't know how you get 230 pounds on a 5'10" frame.

garrett curless SO IF 5-10/230 L/L

Baseball has become a numbers game. As kids, we are told that if we play hard enough we can make it. Unfortunately, that and a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow is a lie. Bottom line, scouts like schools immediately weed out certain players. What do I mean when I say "like schools?" Most school use a mathmatical formual when determining whether a student qualifies for admission. For instance, schools take the SAT (or ACT) score and divide/multiply/substract/square root these scores. When two students with similar numbers they then use certain variables. Remember affirmative action in schools. Student were actually being given points for diversity, this is what lead to legal challenges. However, this was not the only variable, other students were awarded points under the legacy preferance (dad went there, dad's dad went there etc...), and of course points for military service (no argument there). In the end, the number of fringe students aka the "Huck Fins" of higher learning were far and few between.

Now when applying that to baseball, the vertically challenged are at a statistical disadvantage. Therefore, a person with height challenges must overcome more obstacles then a player who is tall enough. With that said, the scout's assertion is factually accurate. The scout and I are not the only ones in agreement,Bill James is paid millions for this kind of stuff.

However, if you really want to make your kid versatile (sp?) teach him how to switch hit. Manny Burris, 1st Round Supplemental Pick for the Giants is not that tall, but he is quick. Although he plays shortstop, he might be moved to the outfield. However, he can switch hit. THE MOST UNDEREMPHASIZED TOOLS IN BASEBALL: 1)SWITCH HITTING; AND 2) BUNTING. If you captialize on those skills as well as shine your shoes, keep your socks high, and run hard, that will help you well on your way. That is my humble opinion.

quote:

THE MOST UNDEREMPHASIZED TOOLS IN BASEBALL: 1)SWITCH HITTING; AND 2) BUNTING.

Speaking of switch hitting, here's a neat article on the subject:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060516&conten...sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd

quote:

However, if you really want to make your kid versatile (sp?) teach him how to switch hit. Manny Burris, 1st Round Supplemental Pick for the Giants is not that tall, but he is quick. Although he plays shortstop, he might be moved to the outfield. However, he can switch hit. THE MOST UNDEREMPHASIZED TOOLS IN BASEBALL: 1)SWITCH HITTING; AND 2) BUNTING. If you captialize on those skills as well as shine your shoes, keep your socks high, and run hard, that will help you well on your way. That is my humble opinion

I absolutely agree with the point you are making, but it does need to be pointed out the Burris runs a 6.4 sixty.

I am not sure I understand how bunting is placed alongside switch hitting in talking about skills that allow a player to succeed in college and beyond.
I can appreciate how someone who has 6.4 speed, and other tools, and who can bunt has a plus. But if he had 6.4 speed, other tools, could switch hit and couldn't bunt a lick, I don't see how it would make a bit of difference.
Be interested in your explanation. You seem to have listed the ability to bunt as a separate skill that makes a difference in college and beyond. I have some trouble understanding why you would think that.

If he's going to switch hit...he'd better be able to drive the ball. A speed guy with gap power RH will be more valuable than a speed guy with gap power RH and a slap hitter LH who won't bat but about 20% of the time RH.

I interpreted the ability to bunt to mean the ability to bunt for a base hit. Definitely stealing a couple of bunt hits throughout the course of the season is a very valuable skill to possess. It is much more important if you run well ad pose a threat on the basepaths.

College coaches and pro scouts see things in a player that parents don't---they realize that HS players are at positions that help their team, not necessarily their own best position---they can see the talent or lack thereof and make their own assesment---Mickey Mantle was a shortstop before a CF as an example


Don't worry about it

The ability to make adjustments is what takes you to "the next level" at any age. Its never too late to try something new...even in the Bigs.