1980s Rookie Scouting Reports on Former Players

Baseball Digest, Sept, 2000

Reports on promising major league rookies have been published in Baseball Digest since 1955. What follows are random selections from reports made in the 1980s which give readers an idea how some well-known players were rated as they approached the big time. These reports appeared in the March issue of the years listed.

1980

Bruce Hurst, 22, Red Sox, P: Was 8-2 at Winter Haven, 9-4 at Bristol; Pitched 197 innings in '79 with overall 2.88 ERA.

Report: "No. 1 pick in '76 draft; excellent fastball, good control; bothered by elbow and shoulder problems in '78."

Harold Baines, 20, White Sox, OF: Hit .298 at Iowa with 22 HR and 87 RBI.

Report. "No. 1 draft choice in nation in '77; exceptional all-around player; good power and speed, strong arm; figures to play right field."

Tommy Herr, 24, Cardinals, 2B: Hit .293 with Springfield (AA) with only 10 errors in 109 games.

Report. "Slick fielding second baseman. Good contact with bat, no power; very fast and good base runner. Great instincts. Should make big club in '80. Was on St.L. roster late in '79 season."

1981

Cal Ripken, Jr., 20, Orioles, 3B: Batted .276 with 25 home runs and 78 RBI in 144 games with Charlotte in Southern League in '80. Made 35 errors at SS and 2B

Report: "Is probably a year away from majors, but currently ranks as top prospect in system; son of Orioles' third base coach."

Dave Righetti, 22, Yankees, P: Had 6-10 record with Columbus in International League in 1980. Posted 139 strikeouts in league, but also most walks, 101.

Report: "Outstanding arm with above-average fastball and curve. Control will tell."

Lee Smith, 23, Cubs, P: Was 4-7 with 3.70 ERA at Wichita in American Association in 1980.

Report: "One of best short relievers in American Assoc. Stands 6-5, weighs 220. Can intimidate batters."

Fernando Valenzuela, 20, Dodgers, P: With San Antonio in Texas League in '80 was 13-9 with 3.10 ERA. Led league in strikeouts with 162 in 174 IP.

Report: "Left-hander with outstanding screwball. Came up late in '80, pitching 10 scoreless innings for the Dodgers. With departure of Don Sutton, has shot as a starter."

Tim Raines, 21, Expos, 2B: Minor League Player of Year. Led American Assoc. in batting with .354 and stolen bases with 77.

Report" "Outstanding young prospect."

1982

Wade Boggs, 23, Red Sox, IF: Led International League with .335 BA and 41 doubles in 137 games at Pawtucket.

Report. "Excellent minor league hitter. Has good chance as DH and infield reserve."

Tony Gwynn, 21, Padres, OF: Hit .331 at Walla Walla in Northwest League and .462 at Amarillo in Texas League in 1981.

Report. "Outstanding young prospect. Could jump to majors this year depending on spring training and trades."

1983

Joe Carter, 22, Cubs, OF: Had an outstanding year at Midland in Texas League in '82, hitting .319 with 25 HR and 98 RBI in 110 games.

Report:. "Has all the tools; he has played only one and a half years in pro ball but has a very good chance."

Orel Hershiser, 24, Dodgers, P: Can start or relieve. Had best ERA, 3.71, on Albuquerque staff in PCL in '82.

Report: "Hard-throwing pitcher."

Darryl Strawberry, 20, Mets, OF: Led Texas League with 34 homers while hitting .283 with 97 RBI in 129 games with Jackson.

Report. "Outstanding potential. MVP of Texas League in '82. Can do it all. Chance to be star player."

1984

Tony Fernandez, 21, Blue Jays, SS: Hit .300 at Syracuse with 35 stolen bases in 117 games.

Report: "Smooth fielder, strong arm, should stay with club this year. International League All-Star."

Dwight Gooden, 19, Mets, P: Led Carolina League in wins, 19, strikeouts, 300, and ERA, 2,50 while losing only four games.

Report: "Exceptionally poised pitcher with explosive fastball, sharp-breaking curve, good command and control."

1985

Harold Reynolds, 24, Mariners, 2B: Put outstanding numbers on the board in PCL with Salt Lake City, hitting .296 and leading league second basemen in putouts, assists and double plays.

Report. "Excellent defense, with excellent range. Knows how to play and what it takes to win. Will give Jack Perconte battle for second base job."

1986

Jose Canseco, 21, A's, OF: In '85, combined for 36 HR and 127 RBI at Huntsville in Southern League and Tacoma in PCL; up briefly with Oakland in '85, hitting .302 in 29 games.

Report: "Awesome power and hitting potential; also has an excellent throwing arm. Just needs experience. An impact player."

Paul O'Neill, 22, Reds, OF: Hit .305 with 74 RBI at Denver (AA) in '85. Led league in hits with 155 and doubles, 32.

Report: "Contact hitter with good power potential. Outstanding arm. Needs reduction in Reds' outfield depth to have a chance to move up."

Andres Galarraga, 24, Expos, 1B: Hit .269 with 25 homers and 87 RBI at Indianapolis, and was American Association's Rookie of the Year.

Report: "Has good power. Could be Expos' regular first baseman in '86."

1987

Mark McGwire, 23, A's, 3B: Hit .318 with 13 HR and 59 RBI in 78 games at Tacoma in PCL. A 6-5, 200 pounder with power and great arm. Hit HR over 440-foot marker in Detroit for Oakland in September.