The Six Tools of Baseball

The Six Tools of Baseball that are rated for College and Professional Players are:

1. Ability To Hit for Power (Gap Power and Homeruns)
2. Ability to Hit for Average (Spray baseball around the field).
3. Field your Position
4. Throwing (Arm Strength and Arm Care)
5. Running (Speed and Quickness)
6. Mental Ability and Toughness

The Above Skills are evaluated on a 20/80 scale.  The first number is where the Individual currently grades, while the second number is where the Individual's potential may take them during his career.  

1. Very Far Below Average when compared to MLB Player  (20)
2. Far Below Average when compared to MLB Player (30)
3. Below the Skill level of an Average MLB Player  (40)
4. Average MLB Player  (50)
5. Plus skill set for a MLB Player (60)
6. Considered a Plus Plus Skill set for a MLB Player  (70)
7. Hall of Fame Potential   (80)

For example, if a High School Senior is able to sprint from Home to Second Base (60 yards) in 7.20 seconds they may be graded a 20.  If his Family History has a father and uncles who ran a 6.5 seconds for the same distance his potential may score a 50.  Therefore, for the TOOL of running this High School Senior would likely grade 20/50.  

Additionally, if a Pitcher, who is a High School Senior has a fastball with good movement and location with a velocity of 78 mph (High School Average for Seniors), but he has an older brother that can throw a 94 mph fastball in College, the potential is there and he may have a 20/60 grade.

The factors that determine a Ranking/Grading are numerous.