Scouting in MLB the Show 23: From Baseball Sherlock to Bargain Bin Billy
Ah, the MLB draft. A time for hope, dreams, and the sinking feeling you've wasted your first-round pick on a guy whose fastball tops out at "slow clap." But fear not, intrepid GM! This guide will turn you from a scouting newbie to a prospect-sniffing savant.
Step 1: Assemble Your Scooby-Doo Crew (of Scouts, Not Spooks)
First things first, you need scouts. These are your Velmas and Freddies, out there uncovering the hidden talents (and occasionally a ghost or two, if the scouting reports are anything to go by). Here's the lowdown:
- Scout Attributes: Look for guys with high "Discovery" and "Efficiency." Discovery means they unearth hidden gems, while Efficiency ensures they don't take all season to tell you a slap hitter can't hit dingers.
- Specialization vs. Scatterbrain: You can specialize scouts in positions (all hail the Pitching Whisperer!), or go full-on mystery machine and have them scout everywhere. There's no wrong answer, just remember, with great power comes the responsibility of not wasting budget on a scout who thinks Ronald Acuña Jr. plays shortstop for the Renaissance Fair All-Stars.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to fire scouts! Just because they come with a fancy baseball card doesn't mean they're worth their weight in sunflower seeds.
Step 2: Scouting Like a Boss (Without Actually Being One...Yet)
Now comes the real detective work. You'll be glued to the "Scout" menu more than your phone during a family gathering. Here's what you need to know:
- The Fog of War: Scouting isn't an exact science. Player attributes are shrouded in mystery, like a secret society handshake you desperately want to learn. The better your scouts, the clearer the picture becomes.
- Don't Get Greedy: You can't scout everyone at once. Focus on specific positions or high-potential players. Remember, quality over quantity (unless you're at the ballpark buffet, then go crazy).
- The Draft Board Shuffle: Scouting affects the draft board. A player projected top 5 by the central scouting bureau might fall to your lap if your ace scout uncovers a weakness nobody else saw (like a crippling fear of mascots).
Remember: Don't get too hung up on rankings. Sometimes, the best steals are hidden in the bargain bin, waiting for a discerning eye like yours.
Step 3: Draft Day - May the Baseball Gods Have Mercy
Draft day is the culmination of your scouting journey. Here's hoping you haven't fallen in love with a player who gets picked three spots before you.
- Trust Your Gut (But Also the Numbers): Scouting reports are great, but so is your baseball IQ. If a player's tools and potential scream future All-Star, take a chance! Just don't draft a guy with a sub-40 arm strength because he "looks scrappy."
- Embrace the Chaos: The draft is a crapshoot. Players bust, rankings are wrong, and sometimes the baseball gods just have a twisted sense of humor. But hey, that's what makes it exciting (and occasionally rage-inducing).
Bonus Tip: If all else fails, blame the scouting director. It's a time-honored tradition.
With these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a scouting whiz. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination (unless the destination is a World Series trophy, then that's definitely more important). Now get out there and find your franchise's next superstar (or at least a decent backup outfielder)!