Episode 38: Thoughts On The Scouting Scale, Drafting 2023 Prospect Teams & Listener Questions

Ben and Carlos briefly talk about the Guardians and Reds swapping outfield prospects and the Padres extending Yu Darvish, as well as the state of San Diego’s farm system and pitching development, before getting into nitty-gritty scout talk. 

What’s in each of their bags when they head out to the fields to see players? What’s their evaluating process? How has it changed over the years? Then the two talk about the 20-80 scale and how BA uses grades and risk factors to try and quantify players.

The two talk about the value of using terms like “floor” and “ceiling” when discussing prospects, how that differs from variance—if it even does—and then debate the merits of half-grades and extreme precision when putting numbers on tools and player roles.

After that, the two compete to draft the best team of 2023 draft prospects. Each podcast host attempts to roster a catcher, two corner infielders, two middle infielders, three outfielders, one utility spot and four pitchers that will best the other's on draft day and years into the future. Let us know which team you're siding with!

Finally, they answer a few listener questions including: 

“Is there any conventional scouting wisdom you disagree with?”

“What are your favorite events on the high school showcase circuit?”

“What are the pros and cons of development in the Caribbean vs. the United States?”

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Carlos's Twitter: @CarlosACollazo

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