MAJOR LEAGUE PROSPECT RATING SYSTEM

    The following information is to serve as a tool for players to gauge their progress as well as get an idea of what it takes to be considered a "prospect".  There are numerous intangibles that the player must also possess to reach the next level.  This is just a look at the numbers, and where you may fall as a player.

Fastballs are graded on the 2-to-8 scouting scale under the following guidelines:

The pitcher gets the grade for the speed he consistently pitches at, not the speed he touches. A scouting report provides room to explain the pitcher's velocity range. If his readings range from 89-96, he may have touched 89 and 96 once, but he pitched at 93. His fastball would be graded as a 6. If a scout thinks the pitcher can increase his velocity with more experience, strength and improved mechanics, he can give him a future grade of 7.

As with radar guns, stopwatches are just tools to help identify players. If a player is a 7 or 8 runner, he should catch your eye. You won't throw a prospect label on him based on that, but you will certainly be attentive to the player's other tools.

Running times are graded from the point of contact with the bat to the time the hitter touches first base. Times are helpful only when you believe the player ran his best down the line. Otherwise, you'll have to judge his speed on how well he runs mechanically. This doesn't factor in baserunning ability; there is a separate category for that.

Here's how to grade running speed based on times to first: