Considering he’s essentially a scout, that makes sense. Cortes is a very toolsy pitcher. Personally, I’d rank Rosa higher. I think he has the better mix of tools and performance. But, perhaps when Cortes is as old as Rosa, he’ll have achieved that level of performance too.

I’d love it if he actually told us more about the players he was asked about.

“Ladnier: Our Minor League system has been designed to handle young players. We feel that getting them at a young age we can develop their skills to be a professional baseball player with the type of instructors and day-to-day influence we have on a young prospect.”

I do see a larger organizational philosophy of going young here, for better or for worse. I think that’s a big reason why they added the Burlington, NC affiliate. I would be Dayton learned from “The Braves Way” and wants to indoctrinate these young players in “The Royals Way”. It will be interesting to see how successful that is.

oroyals19: When you are first scouting a player, are you already taking clubhouse balance (leadership qualities and attitude) into consideration?

Ladnier: Those are as important to us as the physical skills and tools. We have to know that a player wants to be a winner and will do everything they possibly can to reach their maximum potential. That is the most difficult aspect of any scouting endeavor and requires a great commitment by the scout involved.

Meh. I hope that’s blowing smoke. Leadership and attitude should be factors, but as important as physical skills and tools? Please.

Also, he confirms the “Aviles $1000 bonus” story.