By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

In the scouting world, we all buzz about the tall, projectable left-handed pitchers. Power right-handed arms. Athletes who can flat-out run. It’s all about arms and athletes in this bleak, grey-toned era of BBCOR baseball.

Pitchers – especially left-handers – and middle-of-the-field athletes have always commanded a higher price tag because, well, basic supply-and-demand principles. There are fewer high-level left-handed pitchers, power right-handers and ultra-athletic position players, therefore the demand is greater, which ultimately commands a higher premium.

I’m not so sure that’s the case anymore. Don’t confuse. Long, athletic left-handers in the 89-92 range are still rare, highly coveted commodities. But in the deadened bat era, I am fairly certain the hit tool is the rarest of all commodities.

One step further, I believe the left-handed power bat is the rarest of all – and multiply the value exponentially if the prospect plays something other than first base or outfield.

Pro scouts no doubt place a high premium on left-handed power bats because, no matter how trendy speed is, the long ball will always be king at the major-league level. Home runs are game-changing and put butts in the seats ...