When scouts project future positions for players, they often have in mind a particular profile and set of tools for a player based on their positions. We can best describe this by looking at each tool and the spectrum of its importance by each position.
Fielding / Defense
The positions up the middle–catcher, shortstop, center field, and to a lesser degree, second base–are generally referred to as premium positions. Fielding is often the most important tool for catchers, shortstops and center fielders, due to the defensive demands of those positions throughout a season.
On the other side of the spectrum, you have relatively little emphasis placed on first base or left field defense, and these positions are often where below-average defenders are projected to end up.
Hit
The relative premium placed on the hit tool is an area of much debate, as some progressive teams have been willing to accept lesser hit tools if a player shows more power. The hit tool is the most important tool, as countless players have had underwhelming or short careers if they couldn’t hit, even if they had multiple other plus or better tools.
Long-term big leaguers who have worse hit tools tend to excel defensively or have major raw power that allows them to maximize the impact of their contact.
Power
As home runs have risen in the game, the bar for power has risen at all positions. Power remains most important at corner infield and outfield positions. But it’s also become an important tool for shortstops and center fielders, as the bar for power production at those positions has increased.
Throw
This is another tool that’s very important for catchers, to hold opposing baserunners at bay. It’s not nearly as important for any other position, but scouts want to see players on the left side of the infield have an above-average arm at minimum, as well as right fielders, due to the length of the throws they regularly make.
It is not nearly as important at most other positions, though a good arm can boost a player’s overall defensive value.
Run
This tool is most important in players who need to cover ground in the field and have an impact on the basepaths. Because of that, it’s emphasized more for middle infielders and outfielders than for corner infielders and catchers.
Exceptions to the rule
There are always exceptions to these general rules – if a player excels at another part of the game or is well-rounded enough overall, it may make up for a lack of a key tool. Teams may play great offensive contributors, even when they cost teams runs in the field, because their offense makes up for the defensive deductions.
But they make for good general rules for good reason. Great defenders at premium positions may be able to slide defensively over time and still be good contributors at other positions.
The same margin for error does not exist for left fielders, first basemen or DH-only prospects, who have to be among the very best overall hitters at each level they play throughout their careers.
Summary
As you begin to think about what position a prospect projects to play in the future, it’s important to keep in mind how his profile will work in that position and whether he possesses the necessary tools to play that position at the Major League level.
Comments