rogers park bryan wrote:
You're underselling how many college players are ready for MLB and overselling how NFL/NBA guys are finished products that require no development
Im sorry its just a ridiculous position to say that everything pre MLB should be ignored. You sound like Cliff Claven saying that him, Davidon and Bryant have all never been to Alcocks.
Some guys have more talent and its evident. Some Scouts are real good. Some sabr guys are real good.
The fact that its not an exact science doesnt mean it ceases to exist or should be ignored.
Baseball success is far more complicated than those other sports. In basketball you can see a big wang whipper in high school. He's 6'10", can bench press 400 lbs., and has great quickness and reflexes. When he enters the NBA those things carry him. If he's bigger, stronger, and faster than the other guy he'll beat him. Sure, experience couns for something. But it's really pretty simple and it doesn't take long for the more physically gifted guy to overwhelm crafty Hinrich. Same thing in football. If a 20 year old is faster and stronger, he can quickly learn the plays and kick your ass. Except for Devin Hester.
In baseball, a guy can be as talented as he wants, but when he gets to the big leagues he's facing a completely different class of pitcher. There are few Kalines and Trouts that can just walk up there and pound them. That's why we talk about those guys. if you're comfortable saying Kris Bryant is one of those guys, great. Maybe Schwarber is too. Hell, maybe they all are. I read yesterday the Cubs are the World Series favorites for 2017. Maybe I'm just the crazy one.