What Scouts Look for in a Third Baseman

As mentioned in past articles--- if you hit, you will play--- and that especially holds true for the third base position. Major League teams still covet power hitting third basemen as in Aramis Ramirez (Cubs), Miguel Cabrera (Detroit) and Alex Rodriquez (NY Yankees), since teams look for run production from the corner positions.

It is a plus if a third baseman can be a solid defensive player. So let us take a look at what scouts look for in a defensive third baseman.

The arm that scouts look for in a third baseman is one that has carry through the bag at first base. The young man that can take the ball from ten feet behind third base and throw it on a line has an above average arm. An average arm is one where the player can throw the ball across the infield from the normal third base position on the fly without any arc on the ball.

Those throws that fall short of these standards, means that the player’s arm is below average and that they need to work on having a quick release. As I have said before, in general, an average arm will throw out an average runner. A quick release on an accurate throw can help make up for a below average arm.

Accuracy is also very important, since a third baseman has little room for error given the angle at which they make throws. A throw off the mark to the first baseman’s left, can lead him into the path of a runner. A throw to the first sacker that is off the mark to the right can easily pull the first baseman off the bag. Accuracy is important.

Similar to watching other infielders during pre-game practice, the scout is looking for the player to have soft hands and good feet. Given the difficulty of the plays which third basemen are asked to make, good feet are a must. Good feet will allow for the third baseman to gather themselves to make a good throw to the base, given the angle which they are asked to throw across the diamond.

Scouts tend to bear down on the soft hit ball where the player has to come in during pre-game, looking at the player’s agility and subsequent ability to make the off-balance throw. This is important since third basemen are routinely challenged with bunt plays. Remember to take a good path the ball, rounding off some, so you can be in a good position to make a throw.

During the game, the scout will focus on the quickness which the third baseman possesses. While the third baseman may not have a ball hit to him, the scout will notice how quickly the third sacker is with his first step on balls hit to the left side of the infield.

Having good range is a plus, but since most plays involve hard hit balls, first step quickness is important.

A good defensive third baseman is a plus to any team; but understands that teams primarily look for run production at the “hot corner.”

Play Hard,
Brad

previous blog 

With 17 years of scouting experience; Brad Del Barba presently works for the Milwaukee Brewers on their professional scouting staff, after having served 10 years as the area scout in the Midwest for the Florida Marlins and three years as the Cincinnati Reds Assistant Director of Minor Leagues and Scouting. Del Barba also served as Reds traveling secretary and has been worked for two World Championship organizations— the 1990 Cincinnati Reds and the 1997 Florida Marlins. Prior to working at the major-league level, the 46-year-old toiled in several minor league front offices after completing a master’s degree in Sports Management at Wichita State University.