Fall Scout Day question

Just had a conversation with someone in regards to MLB scouts. I was told that they there are no limits in terms of contact. If they are interested in a player, they can and very often use all means of contacting said player. They obviously are looking for direct contact info but will call coaches, parents, and just about anyone else who might know how to get in contact with a player. 

Contact can be through the coaching staff or directly. However, I think many scouts also have relationships with coaches and start the process with them.

Sort of a pivotal part and starting point is the player filling out draft information for a team/scout and especially the  scout filling out the MLB draft information card for a player. If a scout doesn't submit his name, he cannot be on the draft board.

Approaches from that one focal point can vary from very little contact to a scout making several visits.  The potential becomes more "real" when/if cross checkers start to be seen but that likely won't be until the Spring. Even that "interest" isn't truly predictable.  One of our son's Milb teammates was a 6th rounder by a team which never contacted him prior to calling him after they drafted him.

The one key is having a draft card with your son's name submitted so he can be drafted.

If and when it gets to a point of filling out questionnaires...you might want to look into getting an advisor.

coachld posted:

If and when it gets to a point of filling out questionnaires...you might want to look into getting an advisor.

Yeah, I would be careful about aligning with an advisor.  You don't need one too early on.  My experience is that advisors tend to "advise" in a way that is good for the advisor.  You should know that you are a legit draft prospect before you take that step.

My experience is if they are interested they usually send out a questionnaire for the player to fill out.  They vary some but many ask for similar information.  Some teams have special supplements they want filled out as well.  Contact can come in several forms, but often starts with an email and a questionnaire to complete.

To add to what others mention, a large part of the communication lines are fostered by the college coaching staff.  Some are very accommodating to the pro scouts and access to players and others do their best to stiff arm the MLB scouts.  My son just went through the draft and during home visits, all the scouts confirmed that his college coaching staff was "scout friendly" and mentioned other area school/staff's who were not.  Just adding that to let you son know he should understand how his coaching staff accommodates the pro guys and perhaps temper some of his discussion about the topic around them if they're not the accommodating kind.

Scouts are usually prepared to hand out questionaires on scout day. If not they will contact the player through the coach.  Or send in mail on file at school. If that scout likes your player he will be there to watch him pitch come spring.

Some coaches will not allow scout contact during the championship season. So area scouts know what coaches like or don't like. They may contact the player at any time in the fall or spring leading up to draft if coach allows it,  they do not have to talk to you as a parent. Sons pitching coach taliked to scouts as during that time advisors were not allowed to represent players.

All questions usually will go through the coaches, so you really don't need an advisor. Questions on filling out paperwork can be answered through the coaching staff. 

In regards to what infielddad posted, son was a 2 round pick and had never had any contact with his drafting team before the draft, though they were familiar with him in HS as son played  in Jupiter frequently.

The draft is a long time away. Try to keep things in perspective, your sons season will more than likely determine whether he will be drafted or not. 

adbono posted:

coachld posted:

If and when it gets to a point of filling out questionnaires...you might want to look into getting an advisor.

Yeah, I would be careful about aligning with an advisor.  You don't need one too early on.  My experience is that advisors tend to "advise" in a way that is good for the advisor.  You should know that you are a legit draft prospect before you take that step.

Agree with being careful. I was thinking more along the lines of a high school kid when I posted. However, if you can find a good one, and we have, they can be very helpful and a great networking tool as soon as player starts to get questionnaires.  Our guy has a great track record, works for a smaller company, is local, and comes highly recommended. We just met this week and he has already alerted several scouts, contacted a Power 5 coach, etc. He has also helped us understand the process and when players have the most and least leverage.