What does it take?

A LOT OF LUCK  AS WELL AS THE POSITION ONE PLAYS

Just Baseball;

TR is correct. Double AA, a player is a "heart beat" away from a call-up for replacing a player who is injured. Marcus Scutero is an example of a players who never "gave up".

When we traveled to Japan and Korea, our two coaches, Lemmie Miller and Tony Brewer were both LA Dodgers 6 year minor league players. Neither knew that Tommy at the end of Spring Training called each player into his office - separately.

He said "if we could roster 25 players you would make the team". It was 12 years later that they discussed Tommy reasoning for the two to return to Albuquerque for the 3rd year.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to visit with GM of a M.L.B team.

He showed me the "scouting book" on every minor league players in baseball.

During the World Games, the International scouts are watching players, who they can sign for Korea, China and Japan Pro Baseball. There are many options for your son and others who work hard and have the heart and will to succeed.

Bob

I would think the baseline would be consistency however on top of that I believe there are many variables factored into who gets the call (especially for the 20-25 guys). 

Need:  Does the team need defense, speed or a power player?  Do they need an everyday starter or a utility guy that can play multiple positions?   Within the pitching ranks there are many needs and roles, who gets put on a roster many times depends on those needs.  A starter, a long relief guy, left handed specialist or ground ball pitcher are very different roles and can limit the pool of players being considered in the minors.

Investment:  Let’s face it if two players are equal in the minor leagues and player A was someone the front office made a serious investment in then that player is probably going to get the call before the lesser known prospect. On the other hand are guys that management feels is better to leave in the minors to get daily reps rather than filling a bench spot.  Doesn't mean they couldn't be a great utility player…just that the team sees them providing more value as a potential full time player down the line.

Mental Make-up:  Teams need role players that can stay mentally and physically ready to perform when their number is called.  This could be once a day or once a week, not every player can fill that role. 

I’m sure there are many other factors that I haven’t thought of…just goes to show that the stars need to align and talent needs to be great to be a MLB player.

I think thats a good summary jerseydad.

I've also heard it said that a player needs to have an advocate somewhere in the system...preferably in the front office.  Someone who believes in THAT player who has influence.

Makes sense to me.

I remember a long, long time ago my father asked me something like, 'How many major league quality ballplayers never played in the major leagues?'  I was like 15 years old and thought it was an odd question and an even odder answer he gave.  He said something like 'thousands.'

That also makes sense to me and it doesn't even include the players who stopped on their own I think?

Yeah, I think there are lots of situation-specific factors as others have stated.  Obviously, there are still performance based factors as well.  A hitter who is great at crushing mistakes won't have as much success because the P's are, on average, just a bit more consistent at hitting their spots - don't make as many mistakes.  This is confirmed time and time again by player who hit .300+ at AAA but can't get over the hump when they are called up.  You referenced the WBC.  Some of the teams with amatuer players are having success because, IMO, it's very early in terms of MLB baseball season and most of the MLB P's aren't as sharp as they will be in June.

Good points cabbagedad!

I've also heard the game announcers talk about the difficulty a hitter has with seeing a pitcher for the first time...for example, one that has been in the minor leagues that an MLB hitter hasn't faced.  Not knowing whats in that pitcher's arsenal and when he will throw it.

Justbaseball,

There is no one answer to the question.  Everyone knows it takes talent, but in most cases it takes more than talent.  In fact, there are minor leaguers with more talent than many in the Major Leagues. It takes the right circumstances or in some cases the right organization.  Other than the most super talented it takes get a break. Often injuries are the break needed.  Of course, consistency and production are very important, also.

There are many cases where players/pitchers actually do better in the Big Leagues than they did in AAA.  However, now days the Big League success doesn't always last long.  Technology provides so much information that any weakness is exposed.  Pitching is sometimes more difficult at AAA than it is in the Big Leagues.  AAA has many veterans who just never swing at a pitch outside the strike zone.  Because most of the very best power hitters are in the Big Leagues, you just don't see as many free swingers in AAA. Lots of smart veteran contact hitters in AAA.

Really cool topic.  I agree with everything said thus far.

I agree with the luck factor and its importance.  I'd honestly like to say a lot here but I think I could cause problems for my son if I did that.  I've said this before to people privately, if it were up to me, he would be in the big leagues already.  I don't get to make those decisions however.  All I can do is try and encourage him in what seems an impossible goal sometimes.  

One thing for people to know is that although minor leaguers don't make a lot of money, they have a he-ll of a lot of fun and get to travel to some wonderful places.  For the most part, they play in gorgeous new ballparks with very loyal fans who have a blast attending the games at an affordable price.  I'd personally love to be a minor league ballplayer.  I'd personally love for my son to see his big league dream come true.    

CD,

I think your son will get his chance because he deserves it.  I hope all those who have a son in pro ball get that opportunity.  I have to laugh though... If it were up to Dad, a lot of players would be up there. Unfortunately, they don't always see things the same way us dads do.  

I have a lot of respect for all those players chasing their dreams.  And I can understand the parental anguish also. The closer you get the more you want it.  Knocking on the door is great, but someone else needs to open it. This is coming from someone who has a son that spent several years in AAA. BTW, That is even less fun once you've tasted the top. Hope everyone stays healthy and has a great year.  

PG - I laughed when I wrote that... if I wasn't laughing, I'd be crying 

Thanks for the encouragement.  

One thing that no one ever says is that the goal is not to just make a big league roster but to make it to the big leagues and be a contributor where you are counted on to help the team win.  In many cases, that means getting your feet wet first as a role player and hope the opportunity arises where you can later become a starter.

I agree that players need to show consistency but you hear players all the time say their goal is to be consistent.  That in and of itself does not make sense however.  The goal is obviously to be consistently "good" versus being consistent in the other direction...

In my limited time watching...yeah, I can see that.

In my limited time of watching, lots of wiley pitchers as well.  Pitchers who know how to cheat i.e., they know how to pitch backwards - they throw breaking balls in fastball counts and fastballs when you are looking for the breaking ball.

When luck, talent and preparation collide good things can happen.The one MLB guy I know was drafted 3rd round (2nd pick) by MIL 2007, who needed a catcher. There were 4 or 5 guys above him after a year. One by one, everyone else faded away as he improved his defense.He got great catching instruction in the minor league system, and worked like a maniac off season on his slow foot speed, blocking dirt balls and his pop times.

When his chance came after the 39 year old Greg Zaun broke down in May 2010, he was ready and never looked back. I think talent, not being blocked and an organization that believes in the player are required, from the little bit I know.

It takes having 2-3 of the 5 tools in my opinion.  Hit for average, power, field, throw and run.  I believe more are clubs are looking at the intangibles of an athlete also.  Leadership, personality, drive, work ethic, etc.  It is a huge investment to a club and they really dig deep into potential draft picks.

How exactly do you get on a minor league team?  Do you just tryout?  And what exactly do they look for in a player?  My thoughts are that they are looking for some who has good mechanics( batting or pitching) and can play really any postion.  Your guys thoughts 

JD Buck;

Is Henderson near Florence? The MLSB also have tryouts.

See this tryout Florence Pro Team.

JD; sorry I did not realize you are 4 hours to Florence. You are near Evansville Indiana and they have a tryout for the Pro team. My last visit was to Ft Campbell Army Base, I was drafted by UNCLE SAM!

http://www.evansvilleotters.com/team/coaches/

Good Luck;

Bob

Sometimes signing bonus determines how much patience a team has with a player and getting called up. I know a kid who was hitting .300+ with 20+ homers in AAA? Yet the MLB team called up a .240 hitter who played the same positions. The .240 hitter was a first round pick signed for over 1M while the .300 hitter was drafted in the 34th round. The .240 hitter washed out. The .300 hitter was released after the following season. He never made it to the majors even though he wa an all star at evey level. The MLB kept loading up on free agents.

Earlier that season the manager told the kid he would be the first call up based on his great spring training. The manager was fired by the end of April.

Then there's undrafted Daniel Nava who never gave up and ended up in the right place at the right time. He went from being unclaimed off waivers at the end of spring two years ago to starting against RHP for the Red Sox this year. And not many players can brag they hit a grand slam on the first MLB pitch they saw.