How big of a difference do they make? How high do they raise a player's stock? You see guys all the time with D1 talent, but have five cent heads and lack heart.
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Daron - these are always good questions to ask and usually always lead to good discussion on the hsbbweb. After seeing many responses to this question over the years, I believe it is a combination of things that lead to success.
I believe the intangibles are very important and often separates successful players from the not-so-successful. In baseball, one still must have the underlying talent/tools for the game no matter what level you play at be it hs, college, or pro.
What I think is mysterious about all this is at what point does someone's desire and work ethic lead to and actually nurture their respective talent for the game. Thus, it may not be entirely clear till many years have passed whether the talent is also on par with the intangibles that are so often exhibited by the most successful players.
I believe the intangibles are very important and often separates successful players from the not-so-successful. In baseball, one still must have the underlying talent/tools for the game no matter what level you play at be it hs, college, or pro.
What I think is mysterious about all this is at what point does someone's desire and work ethic lead to and actually nurture their respective talent for the game. Thus, it may not be entirely clear till many years have passed whether the talent is also on par with the intangibles that are so often exhibited by the most successful players.
The Intangibles can make a difference (IMHO) only when preceded by serious talent. A guy with serious talent and no intangibles will probably be given a shot at whatever 'next level' is his target (although I would believe his chances of real success are limited); a guy with intangibles but marginal talent might not.
It's as true of select team, summer team, college coaches, and pro scouts as it is of anyone else: they see better than they think. If they see 90+ pitching and hr power, they're interested. They may not, however, hang around long enough to see baseball acumen and keeping one's head under pressure.
Keep and encourage the intangibles; but to succeed, the emphasis has to be on developing the talent.
It's as true of select team, summer team, college coaches, and pro scouts as it is of anyone else: they see better than they think. If they see 90+ pitching and hr power, they're interested. They may not, however, hang around long enough to see baseball acumen and keeping one's head under pressure.
Keep and encourage the intangibles; but to succeed, the emphasis has to be on developing the talent.
quote:Originally posted by Orlando:
Keep and encourage the intangibles; but to succeed, the emphasis has to be on developing the talent.
I agree with Orlando. I think scouts are looking for tools first, then attitude, hustle, etc.