size matters-stats don't

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Originally posted by TPM:
Here we go again with scouts not being able to do their job.
I don't disagree with some of the things said (btw stats don't matter), but how come I know of a pitcher who is 5'10" and doesn't throw 95 and will most likely make organizational pitcher of the year with his organization? Sporting a 1.07 ERA in 50 innings pitched one level with a whip of .83. His deception, cut fastball and how he hides the ball in his delivery makes up for what you say is needed to succeed. Second round pick by the way.
There are many pitchers under 6' who are drafted. Their stats or win or losses aren't always stellar, but they had something that made a scout beleive they were pro material. Projection, age at draft, use of pitches, how you pitch against wood, velo, size, starter, reliever, closer, all come into consideration. Most don't care about stats, pitcher of the week, etc.

Why weren't his coaches helpful in the process? Why didn't he ever approach a scout for their opinion?

Many seniors don't get drafted, many used to sign under the rule that allowed them to sign as FA before the draft. If he is that good, he might have options for Indy ball.

JMO.

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If you crunch the numbers, less than 10% of the position players drafted are less than 6'0" and for pitchers it's probably closer 5%.

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The hieghts given are usually in Moms high heels.

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Originally posted by FutureBack.Mom:
b-regie ...

Sorry to read this about your son. It appears that he was quite successful in his college career, and might well be successful at the professional level. Unfortunately, as much as we would like to believe that the MLB teams want 'winners', instead we see the 'projectable' player drafted time and again. It can be very disheartening for the player, his family, and his fans.

Granted, some players who are successful at the college level are not as successful when they are drafted ... I can think of two right off the top of my head who pitched very well for a major D1 team (the same team) and were drafted in different years, but one was released in his first full season and the other is still active but not doing nearly as well as people expected when he was drafted. And there are kids who might appear almost marginal in college that get drafted, with everybody shaking and scratching their heads and wondering why/how anybody would draft that player, only to see that player blossom in the pros.

Professional baseball is as confusing as any enigma can be ... but the bottom line, as was indicated by another poster, is that MLB is a BUSINESS first and foremost and the powers that be in their front offices do whatever they can to fill the seats of the MLB team's stadium and make money. And I believe that unfortunately some real quality players are overlooked because they don't fit the stereotype of the projectable player.

I hope that if your son has the dream to continue, he will follow through with some other options ... indy teams, post-draft try-outs/work-outs for free agent signings, etc. It is a shame that he has had to see that side of life which seems to not reward hard work, but unfortunately that is what happens in life and we as parents can only stand behind them, love them, and give them a safe place to fall if they must.