Standardized Player Evaluation Criteria for a successful evaluation system and why it is important...
1. Is the same PROCESS: All players have the same evaluation. Allows a player to be properly evaluated against their peers.
2. Is DATA DRIVEN: Quantifies evaluation and streamlines varying opinions of evaluators (good, ok, great, bad) to a single number. It’s easier to explain and is harder to argue with numbers.
3. It MINIMIZES SUBJECTIVITY: Allows for opinions but from the same language. A comprehensive evaluation makes the difficult conversations easier to have.
4. It is CLEARLY COMMUNICATED: Everyone knows what to expect. Permits zone to properly communicate with players and their parents.
5. It is EASILY ACCESSIBLE: Able to quickly and privately be shared with others. Provides coaches with the best insights.
Evaluation Process
Evaluations primarily are based upon the 5 Tools that build a sound fundamental baseball player: Hitting for Average, Hitting with Power, Arm Strength (including pitching accuracy), Fielding Ability, Speed Evaluations
Hitter Evaluation: Three separate evaluated stations with a T-work warmup station. Rotate through 3 evaluated batting cages. The first evaluated cage will be a batting tee. The metric of power will be determined using exit velocity. Evaluators will use a radar on each swing to determine the average exit velocity of the players over 6 opportunities. The second hitting evaluation cage will feature 8 pitches provided by a coach underhand in “soft toss” fashion. Mechanics and swing contact will be evaluated. The third and final evaluation will feature 8 pitches overhand from a coach (live arm). Mechanics and swing contact will be evaluated. Each of power, mechanics and contact will be scored out of 10 for a total of 30 points.
Pitcher Evaluation: Throw from 3 separate pitcher’s mounds at the appropriate age distance. 11U players will be required to throw 5 pitches per mound; 13U-18U players will be required to throw 6 pitches per mound. The first mound will be evaluated out of 5/6 for accuracy. The second mound will be evaluated for velocity calculated by skill shark by median bell curve in each age group. The third mound will combine all elements and each of accuracy, velocity and mechanics will be evaluated. Mechanics will be evaluated out of 10. Each of accuracy, velocity and mechanics will be scored out of 10 points for a total of 30 points.
Infield Evaluation: A single session fielding at 2 infield positions; short stop and third base for all 11U-18U players. 4 consecutive opportunities at each position. Fielding opportunities will range the players to effectively evaluate the players ability to move to the ball. Balls will be regulated and thrown by a “hack attack” baseball machine. The player will be evaluated for mechanics, arm strength and arm accuracy for a total score of 20 points.
Outfield Evaluation: A single session consisting of 8 opportunities to each player. Combination of all scenarios (fly balls; left, right, back, short, and grounders) The player will be evaluated for their overall mechanics while making the play, as well as their overall arm strength and accuracy while throwing to a target for a total score of 20 points.
Speed Evaluation: A single session consisting of 2 (two) run times of 40 yards. Timing to begin on the movement of runner. Total of 10 points.
You can find the full rubric for scoring here courtesy of the Saskatoon Cardinals.
