Do major league scouts place too much value in radar gun readings

quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:

Some could take this info and think their only chance is to throw with abnormal velocity. Throwing with great velocity does seem to be important when it comes to the draft and being recruited by top college programs. But there are many (too many to count) who became very good College and even Major League pitchers without 90+ velocity. In the end the ability to pitch is more important than throwing a certain velocity. We see more hard throwers every year than we see excellent pitchers. Excellent pitchers do standout.

PG - sorry to quote your stuff again - but it is - IMO - so true it bears repeating.

You see so many young college players that really do know how to pitch - and they do not break 90.

I am sure - everyone would love to have a 95 mph heater. But if you dont - there are still a ton of places to play - to be effective - and to continue your development.

One young man that comes to mind when I think about this subject is Kevin Slowey. I think he is going to make it - and soon.

In college - that kid knew exactly what he was doing on the mound - but rarely if ever touched 90.

Now he does - but the most impressive thing about him remains - IMO - he knows how to pitch.

And he can pretty much put the ball wherever he wants.

Slowey sure had a year to remember. In high school 90 is the rare exception. In college 95 is the even more rare exception.

Dad04,

In addition to his physical skills - he is a bulldog on the mound.

Hard worker - student of the game. And never makes excuses. It has been a real pleasure watching him succeed as he has - he deserves every single bit of that success - as well as all the success to come in the future.

1.88 ERA in 148 innings split between the Florida State League and Eastern League is excellent, especially after 200+ innings in 2005. Another year like 2005 and 2006 and he'll probably be in Mn-Mom land for awhile.