These tools are graded not only for their present ability but also for their future potential. Most organizations grade on a major league scale. For example a present hitting ability for a high school player might be a 3. This could equate to a .230 Major League Hitter at present time. However this same scout may project this same hitter's future potential as a 6, which could be a .300 Major League Hitter. The 3 is a below average major league hitter, a 6 is an above aver-age major league hitter. This scale goes up to 8 for the superstar. Very few are rated as such because this is so hard to project.

A five tool player is one that ranks above average in every area listed (1-5). Keep in mind that the Major Leagues are filled with players with less than 5 tools, you really only need 1 great tool to get to the major leagues, or 2-3 average tools to be a good Major League Player.

Despite the fact of that this country is loaded with scouts looking for talent, there seems to be some talent that is always missed. Look at the list below to see who was almost missed.

• Mike Piazza 61st round
• Bobby Bonilla undrafted
• Darryl Kile 30th round
• Frank White undrafted
• Don Mattingly 19th round
• Tom Candiotti undrafted
• Nolan Ryan 10th round
• Ryne Sandberg 17th round
• Jose Canseco 15th round
• Dave Parker 14th round

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