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Catcher
Infielder
Outfielder

WHAT SCOUTS LOOK FOR IN CATCHERS

A good catcher is vital to the success of a championship team. The catcher will provide leadership on the field and work with the pitcher when setting up the hitters and calling the game. The catcher must be durable and is responsible for the team's defense.

A catcher needs soft hands, quick feet and the ability to block pitches in the dirt.

WHAT SCOUTS LOOK FOR IN INFIELDERS

A good infield is worth his weight in gold to a successful team. A strong defense will take the opposition out of more rallies and save wear and tear on the pitching staff.

Teams are looking for these qualities in their infielders.

  • Arm Strength: A strong arm is especially necessary from the shortstop who will often be making throws up to 150 feet flat-footed on the edge of the outfield grass. The third baseman also needs a strong arm when called upon to make throws up to 120 feet from along the foul line. Look to see if the infielder's throws are straight and do not die as they approach the first baseman.
  • Range: Look for infielders with good body control. They need first-step quickness able to field the ball to their left, right, over their head and able to charge the ball and come up throwing. Also they need soft hands, able to move their hands quickly and smoothly to bad hops and sharply hit line drives


WHAT SCOUTS LOOK FOR IN OUTFIELDERS

A good outfielder is vital to the make up for a successful team. Although most outfielders are in the lineup for their bats, their defensive skills cannot be overlooked. Scouts are looking for these basic skills from outfielders

  • Arm Strength: A strong arm is vital for the defensive make up of the outfield. A strong arm will cut down base runners trying to score and prevent runners from taking extra bases. When evaluating a players' arm strength, it is important to be at the game in time to see infield-outfield practice. If the player has a strong arm, chances are he will show it here. Teams will often decide whether to run on a team by the strength of the arms demonstrated before the game. You should look for four things from outfielders: a strong overhand throw, a straight-line trajectory, good carry, and good life off the turf when the ball finally hits the grounds. A strong arm is vital for right field because he will often be called on to make throws to third base and home plate up to 275 feet.
  • Range: A good outfielder will be able to cover a lot of ground in the outfield. The centerfielder has the most territory to cover, so obviously getting a good jump on the ball and having good speed is vital for a good outfielder. The outfielder must be able to field ground and fly balls and come up throwing. Outfielders need to be able judge how hard a ball is hit and be able to field fly balls hit over his centerfielder requires the most speed and the right fielder the strongest arm. A good centerfielder can run the 60-yard dash in under 6.6 seconds.

Left and right fielders should run the 60 yard dash under 6.8 seconds.