Posted by Matthew Whipps on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 8:36 pm

One of the things I enjoy doing most when watching baseball is to complete my own scouting reports on players. I try to break down the biggest parts of their game and try to do so as any scout would. Below is an example of one of the reports I have put together from my notes of watching this player time after time after time. As with all of my work, any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Name: Kevin Youkilis | Number: 20
Position: First/Third Base | MLB Debut: May 15, 2004
Bats: Right | Throws: Right | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 220

Scouting Report: Kevin Youkilis has one of the most advanced approaches at the plate in all of baseball. He has a game plan each and every trip to the plate and adjusts it on the fly accordingly depending on how the pitcher is trying to attack him. He will work every count and sit on pitches until he gets what he wants. Youk has superb bat control and uses his hands and wrists a lot in his swing. He is a gap-to-gap hitter and generates most of his power to the alleys. What makes him so valuable is his ability to hit anywhere in the lineup you need him and has a solid glove at first and third base. At both corners he has great instincts and can get to the ball easily and control it with his soft hands. Combines a fantastic baseball mind, hardcore grit and a never-give-up attitude making him one of the game’s elite.

Matthew Whipps is a writer for Baseball Daily Digest and his blog The Diamond Cutter. If you would like to contact him via email you can reach him at diamondcutter[at]columnist.com.