This page appears for general information only and is probably somewhat outdated. This is based on a general press release issued in May 1999, in which Frank Marcos of the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, explained the functions of the Bureau, and revealed what they look for when scouting players. WebBall is not affiliated with the Scouting Bureau. Please do not contact us about prospects or try-out schedules. Contact the Scouting Bureau itself through Major League Baseball.There have been some additions since then, plus much more on criteria elsewhere under 'SCOUTING' on WebBall. We will continue to have more updated information, as available.

Q

What's the main purpose of the MLB Scouting Bureau?

A

We try to provide the best information on prospects to help clubs make more educated selections in the draft.

Q

When was the Scouting Bureau formed?

A

In 1974, ownership developed the idea to centralize scouting. It was not part of the Commissioner's Office. It was an independent group supported by the clubs. In 1985, [Commissioner] Peter Uebberoth brought the Major League Scouting Bureau under the umbrella of the Commissioner's Office.

Q

Why was it started?

A

Cost was a major issue. It allows the club to get information for a fraction of the price of having two full-time scouts of their own. They're getting a lot more bang for the buck.

Q

How many scouts work at the MLB Scouting Bureau?

A

[Editor's Note: as of 1999] We have 34 full-time scouts and 13 part-time scouts across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Q

How do your scouts rate prospects?

A

We have basic generic things that apply to both position players and pitchers and then we have specific things for position players and pitchers. We grade position players on hitting ability, power, running speed, arm strength and fielding. We use a scale of 2-8 in each category to grade our players and come up with an OFP (Overall Future Potential). A total range of 40-80 covers Major League prospects. Forty is the minimum for our category of a Major League prospect. We have fringe, average and definite prospect [categories]. As the number gets higher, the better the prospect is. [Editor's Note: Since this was published , the MLSB has tried to 'correct' the information by sayng the scales are no longer as used. We are hoping they will provide us with a substitute answer; we have been waiting on that for 2-3 years. Players are advised not to ask where they ranked anyway - just be the best player you can be.]

Q

Predicting who will make a good major league pitcher must be especially difficult.

A

You can always tell arm strength. We all have radar guns for that, but you can't put a radar gun to a player's heart or head. If you had seen [player's name removed], you would have been sure he was a can't miss. But he did. And then sometimes you have overachievers. Orel Hershiser is a great example. Not too many people were high on him.

Q

Who is eligible to be scouted?

A

There are a few exceptions to the basic rules of eligibility, but I will give you the base rules concerning being eligible for the draft. For high school players, it is at the end of the player's senior year. For junior college players, they are eligible at the end of each year, Freshman & Sophomore. For players attending 4-year colleges, they become eligible at the end of their junior year/3rd year in school or if they turn 21 years old.

Q

How does somebody become a prospect? How do you decide who to scout?

A

here are showcase events that have been great for younger kids. They have the chance to compete against the top kids in the country. The more visibility [a kid] is to the scouts, the better.
We develop a follow list by the end of the summer or the early fall. We have a list of five to six hundred players that will be eligible for the 2000 draft. In addition, we'll have lists of players eligible for the 2001 and 2002 drafts. We're always trying to stay ahead.

We also get letters, phone calls, faxes from parents, girlfriends, coaches, agents about players and sometimes it is very valuable information. Some guys are creative. We get videotapes, color shots of their swings. I guess they see it as investment in their future and are willing to go to that extent.
 
You can never have too much information. We will pass information on to the scout in the area. We'll also provide players with a list for tryout camps. We have 35 tryout camps in June throughout the country and the clubs hold camps as well. It's a chance for a player who doesn't have the chance to be seen to show what they can do. Hopefully kids remember it in a positive way, that it was fun and that they had a chance.