One day baseball showcases

It seems like baseball showcases have simply proliferated in the last 10 years or so. Everyone is offering them and some even gain the title of elite status. Some attach the label of "invite only" to make it seem more prestigious. It really is an ingenious idea. Take supreme advantage of those that are willing to be taken advantage of.

What's a one day showcase look like?

Well, you herd all these "great" baseball players into an environment where you have baseball coaches and scouts evaluating their ability. Now, understand that many of these athletes arriving to participate play baseball for a high school team, a legion team, an AAU team. Needless to say, they have coaches "back home" that have plans for them. So, indeed there is an inherent risk associated with even showing up for these things. Let's investigate further.

Baseball players are then asked to run a 60 yd. dash. Why a 60 is indicative of a good baseball player is beyond me. Then they check they're arm strength from each position. Outfielders first, then infielders and then catchers. The outfielders simply launch the ball home after catching a routiune fly ball. Infielders take about 3 groundballs each and catchers throw 3 balls to 2B. So, ostensibly, these showcases give scouts and coaches an opportunity to judge the speed and arm of each player.

With respect to baseball showcases, the running and the throwing are the most palatable of all the processes. I mean if a kid can run he can run. If a kid can throw he can throw. The one notable exception is the catcher position. A catcher throws under duress after the runner takes off. Often times with batters leaning over the plate.The catcher must also handle all different pitches in all different locations. The catcher's game throw is a very athletic movement based upon adjusting to the ball flight. Showcases rarely stress the catcher in this manner. The catcher knows that he is throwing the ball and he gets to catch a routine fastball preferrably glove side. Not nearly a true measure of the catcher's skill set.

Then what?

Batting practice of course. This is certainly a good opportunity to watch a players "pop." But, it only allows them to assess what a player can do off of a BP fastball. Nothing is gained with respect to adjusting to pitches. As far as scouting a player, you can certainly gauge batspeed with batting practice but gauging bat quickness is much more difficult. One thing that can be gauged and is usually the death knell is the idea of top spin on the ball. If a player hits the bottom of the ball in a manner where the barrel changes direction rapidly (This is topspin at its basics. A barrel goes from below ball to above ball) you know that this player has major swing flaws.

Then the game comes.

Runners must run within the first two pitches. At least, that's been the norm for these processes. But, how about judging pitchers velocity at a showcase? One day to observe how hard a pitcher throws? This is probably the most egregious issue with showcases. The absolute damage that these things can do to a pitcher's arm. If a pitcher has an opportunity to train for a showcase- great. This should be no problem at all. But, many kids do not have that chance. Many kids will drive miles for an opportunity to play in front of a scout or coach. To hell with the consequences! Furthermore, what about the batters.

Each batter might get a couple of at bats. You might get a good draw. You might not. You might get left on left. You might get the best arm in the showcase. Certainly not a true gauge of a players worth.

All of the above are indictments that I have on the process that is the baseball showcase. Yet, of all these problems, it isn't the worst. The worst problem I have with these showcases is that often times the coaches and scouts that make this an attractive offer fail to show or fail to be attentive. I've seen far too many guys show up and make a casual observation about the quality of the players in attendance and then give a half hearted effort in evaluating the players. How frustrating this must be for the parents of these players. You drive 200-300 miles hoping to be seen by a college coach and the coach you want to watch your son is talking to an ole buddy when your son is taking his batting practice swings.

How do you combat this process?

The coach and scout need to be professional when they visit a showcase.
The showcase needs to ask scouts and coaches to put a radar gun away if a player requests this. It might be fatal to that player but he shouldn't have to light a gun up if he's on one day of rest.
The player needs to understand what a showcase really is- a money maker for the college or academy running it.
The parent needs to understand that knowing someone is often the best way to be seen. Showing up at a showcase with so many others can be overwhelming. Giving a scout or a coach a heads up can be all that is needed for your son to be seen.

Whew! Needless to say I'm not to impressed with these showcases.