In baseball, development is often misunderstood. For me, development means:
“The deliberate effort to value and empower learners to obtain personal mastery and excellence through nurturing training.”
That definition matters—because if you cannot define it, you probably can’t deliver it.
The Hidden Power of Scouting
When most people talk about developing baseball players—especially boys—they focus on lessons.
I know, because I did it, too.
I used to give hitting lessons: 30 to 60 minutes of tee work, front toss, and a few pitches. The lesson just prepared you for the next lesson. But what was really being measured? Not much. It was a cycle of repetition without true evaluation.
It wasn’t until I connected with mentors like Joe Logan (who taught me how to coach) and Edwin Hartwell (who taught me how to scout) that I realized: true development can’t happen without scouting. Then, through my business coach Pat Alacqua, I learned how to move from giving “lessons” to running “labs” — where progress is measured and growth is valued more than perfection.
Why Scouting Matters in Development
Development without evaluation is just activity.
Scouting provides the truth—the real, measurable feedback on where a player is now and where they can potentially go. That’s why it’s vital. Not optional.
Scouting is professional, not personal. It’s not about how much a coach likes you. It’s about how well your tools stack up against a known standard.
The Scouting Scale: 20–80
Scouts use a 20–80 scale to evaluate players, with 50 being Major League average. Scores are given in two parts: a present grade (what you are now) and a future grade (what you could become).
There are five main tools scouts evaluate:
- Hitting for Average
- Hitting for Power
- Running Speed
- Fielding Ability
- Throwing Arm Strength
No. 1 – Hitting for Average
On this scale, a batting average below .200 would be considered a 20 grade—non-competitive at the professional level. Around .230 might earn you a 40 grade. A .250 to .269 batting average would be considered a 50, which is Major League average. A hitter who consistently hits .270 to .289 is a 60. Once you’re hitting over .290, you move into the 70–80 range, which is reserved for elite and Hall of Fame-level contact hitters.
No. 2 – Hitting for Power
This is measured by home runs in a full 162-game Major League season. If you’re projected to hit under 5 home runs, you’re graded at a 20. A 50 grade would mean you can hit around 16 to 20 homers per year—good enough to be competitive. Twenty-one to 25 home runs pushes you to a 60. Hitters who can reach 30-plus are in the 70 range, and those who can hit 36 or more are considered 80-grade power hitters—game changers.
No. 3 – Running Speed
Speed is often measured using a 60-yard dash. A player who runs slower than 7.5 seconds is around a 20. A 6.8–6.9 second time is considered Major League average (a 50). If you’re running a 6.3 or faster, that’s 80-grade speed—elite, base-stealing, game-changing speed.
No. 4 – Fielding and Throwing
Both fielding ability and arm strength are evaluated in-game and in workout settings. A throw under 70 mph from the infield or outfield may earn a 20 or 30 grade. A velocity between 79 mph and 82 mph from a position player is considered average (50). The strongest, most accurate arms that top 90 mph in game-like settings receive 80 grades.
No. 5 – Pitching Velocity and Grades
Pitchers are also graded on this 20–80 scale, and velocity plays a big part in that evaluation.
For right-handed pitchers, a fastball sitting under 84 mph would earn a 20. Sitting 90–92 mph is average (a 50). A righty throwing consistently in the mid-90s (95–97 mph) is graded in the 70s. If you’re hitting 98 mph or higher regularly, that’s elite—an 80.
For left-handed pitchers, the average range is slightly lower. Lefties sitting 88–90 mph are at a 50. Low-90s (91–92 mph) get you into the 60 range, while mid-90s from a lefty—93 or above—puts you in the 70 to 80 range.
Why This Matters for Parents and Players
Many parents are surprised—or even upset—when scouts tell them their son isn’t ready for college or pro ball. But remember:
College baseball is now professionalized.
Players receive revenue shares. They land NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. And the competition is as fierce as ever. So when college coaches evaluate your son, they do so using the same tools and standards used by Major League scouts.
They’re not asking whether your son can play someday. They’re asking: Could he compete in a Major League game today?
You may not think that’s fair. But fairness isn’t the standard—performance is. This is a business now, not a hobby.
The Truth About Scouting Reports
Every serious player should seek out a professional scouting report—one done by someone with real scouting credentials and a development background.
Because in this world, there are two truths:
- The truth you want to hear
- The truth you need to hear
The second truth—the harder truth—is what leads to real growth. And the sooner you embrace it, the better your chances of developing into the player you’re meant to be.
Bridging the Gap: The 8 A’s
The bridge between a player’s present grade and their projected grade comes down to what I call the 8 A’s:
- Attitude
- Awareness
- Adjustments
- Adaptability
- Aptitude
- Athleticism
- Aggressiveness
- Assertiveness
These are the tactical ingredients that separate the good from the great.
I’ve used this approach in the development of 47 Major Leaguers (and counting), and I can tell you from experience—this framework works.
Development isn’t just about drills or reps. It’s about truth, measurement and intentional growth.
And scouting is the compass that keeps development honest.
If you want to give your child the best chance to succeed at the highest levels, stop guessing. Start measuring. Find someone who can scout, who can coach, and who can speak truth in love and clarity.
Let’s develop with purpose. Let’s scout with clarity. Let’s grow together.
Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today.
If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.
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