Reusse: Evolution of scouting is not lost on the Twins | StarTribune.com

 

Interesting column by Mr. Reusse on scouting. Interesting story about the Twins first round pick in 1979, during the Calvin Griffith era, and how that compares to now.

If I were the owner...

 

I would make sure that the scouting department had the best scouts in the country period.

 

I would pay them ridiculous money to attract the best and retain the best.

 

If Team X has the biggest scouting budget in baseball. I would double that figure and still not make a dent in payroll because of player salaries.

 

I would use metrics to determine success rate.

 

If teams started to spend more on scouting in response... I'd continue to spend more.

 

17 scouts averaging (what) $30,000 a year. You could increase the crap out of this and it won't cost you a MLB bullpen arm. $30,000 in average salary and they are finding the players who are paid multi millions.

 

Scouting would certainly become a top priority for me as owner.

17 scouts averaging (what) $30,000 a year. You could increase the crap out of this and it won't cost you a MLB bullpen arm. $30,000 in average salary and they are finding the players who are paid multi millions.

 

Scouting would certainly become a top priority for me as owner.

 

I agree with most of your thoughts... The metrics would be hard because it's easy to evaluate the guys they sign, but it's equally important to point out which players a scout said the Twins shouldn't go after, or the guys that they really pushed for but didn't get.

 

Also, if those 17 are only making $30,000, that would be the saddest thing I've ever heard. If they aren't making at least 150% more than that, I would be disappointed.

I agree with most of your thoughts... The metrics would be hard because it's easy to evaluate the guys they sign, but it's equally important to point out which players a scout said the Twins shouldn't go after, or the guys that they really pushed for but didn't get.

 

Also, if those 17 are only making $30,000, that would be the saddest thing I've ever heard. If they aren't making at least 150% more than that, I would be disappointed.

 

I agree... Metrics are always hard but an organization needs a way to identify and reward the best of the ilk.

 

I admit I don't know the average salary of scouts. 30 grand is a number that has stuck with me because I remember that figure from something I read maybe 5 years ago.

 

Things may have improved since then but I think they are still underpaid and the quality of scouts is something that should be competed for.

Edited June 23, 201313 yr by Riverbrian

Not really anything of substance to take from this. The only thing that could have been is the amount of influence the regional scout has on the 4th overall pick.

As he should, since he's the one that has seen him the most. He's the one that gets the national cross-checkers to come see them, and finally the GM and the scouting director.