What scouts look for in a catcher 

Evaluating catchers is a difficult chore for most scouts. It is a highly skillful position and most amateurs lack the refined technique that most scouts have typically observed at the big-league level.

Physically, a catcher can vary from a small compact build to those with taller and lanky builds. There is no one definitive catcher’s body type, but ultimately scouts look to project whether the young man's body will develop strength and be durable enough to handle the rigors of catching every day.

Scouts look for catchers who have an active lower half that exhibits mobility and quick feet. They also look for raw arm strength. With regard to arm strength, the scout seeks throws that have carry through the bag at second base, with little, if any tailing action on the throw. Those catchers, who do not have great arm strength, must work on making accurate throws and having a quick release.

Scouts evaluate a catcher's release by using a stop watch to measure the length of time it takes the ball to go from the catcher's glove to the fielder's glove at second base or "glove to glove." Most major-league catchers show a release time of 1.80 - 2.00 seconds. Amateurs should shoot for under 2.10 seconds, with the thought being that their mechanics can be improved with continued instruction and practice and thus bring the glove-to-glove time down.

It is important during pre-game infield practice that catchers wear full gear, and give the scout a good throw from the crouched position behind home plate. This way scouts can get a good look at a catchers arm. This is essential since one never knows if opposing team will attempt to steal a base during the game. If they don’t, practice throws are all the scout will have to evaluate the catcher.

Scouts are able to observe a catcher's mechanics on every pitch. Scouts look for catchers with soft hands that work smoothly and efficiently when receiving the ball. They will also look for how well the catcher frames the ball; also the footwork on blocking balls and when throwing to bases. These techniques can be improved, but it gives the scout an idea as to how ready the player is for professional baseball.

Most scouts like catchers who show leadership qualities and who show toughness behind the plate, while being aggressive on plays at the plate. While it is nice to observe a catcher who can call his own game, it is not a pre-requisite, since most high school and college coaches call all of the pitches. Understand that calling a game is a continual learning process, even in pro ball.

Negative things that turn off scouts are catchers who continually drop the ball, bad flinchers or those catchers who turn their heads. Catchers who are quiet and avoid contact on plays at the plate also are often considered "soft" by scouts. Also, slow feet and overall lack of quickness are signs that the catcher will not be able to keep up with the speed of the game as the player advances.

In the ever-growing offensive world of baseball, most catchers today are asked to hit for average and/or to have power. Catchers like the Tigers’ Ivan Rodriguez and the Braves’ Brian McCann have increased value to an organization by being able to produce offensively. Amateur catchers who show offensive potential will catch the eyes of scouts. Most catchers are not asked to run well, but running speed from home to first base is an indicator to the scout as to how quick the player is and the overall athleticism of the player.

Simply, good defensive catchers catch the ball and throw out runners.

Play hard,
Brad.

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.