Bloodlines
by killa on Jun 3, 2011 12:32 AM EDT
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PrintI would like to start a discussion about bloodlines. How important are they? Do they affect your decisions/evaluations of prospects and players? Is there any correlation between performance, or scouting reports, among different types?
The Boone family, Upton brothers, Young brothers, Bundy brothers, the Dwight Smiths, the Tony Gwynns, the Eric Youngs, the Maddux brothers, etc. etc.
Do family traits (athleticism, discipline, mental attitude, ultimate success) convey? What makes one succeed and another fail?
Both Uptons have been disciplined for lack of effort at least once for example. Does that relate to values?
How does Bobby Bundy's breakout relate to Dylan's possible selection by the O's?
And on and on...Personally, having bloodlines makes me (even if I might not notice it) give a boost to a prospect's stock. Is that justified? Maybe, maybe not. What are your thoughts?
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I really do think there is something a bit more special about a guy whos dad was a ball player.
for example the jays have kyle Drabek, and yes he is a top prospect on his own, but there isnt one of his starts that they dont tell the crowd who is dad is or have discussions about whos better, and whats diffrent about them. But to me this a bad thing and probably creat alot of unneeded pressure for Kyle.
yea im sure it helps out.
Obviously a forme MLB teacher would be a great teacher, but thats why i think they expect more from you, your dad was great he taught you shouldnt you be even better? aot of people think like that and it can really pressure a guy.
Obviously genetics play a part
If your parent/sibling was athletically gifted enough to have a decent career then you probably do too. Thats why we see guys who succeed whose fathers were pros in other sports too.
But, to me the biggest father/son advantage is those who were old enough to grow up in clubhouses. Guys like Ripken and Boone grew up in around the game, and used that experience to their advantage
+1
Genetics is an edge in anything, but I like it more when a player grows up around big leaguers and a big league clubhouse then he’s gaining a major advantage. Not only are you around your dad and have his blood flowing in your veins, but you’re around his teammates, his player friends, coaches, managers…and athletes treat kids really well most of the time so they’re throwing out tips, advice, and little nuggets of life wisdom.
Prince Fielder is the standout guy nowadays for this, and it’s a reason I’m not against the Cubs going after this XXXL player.
THIS
Listen to Barry Bonds when he discusses growing up around the 60’s Giants and hearing tips from the Alou’s and Willie Mays! Assuming you have some athleticism, the tips/tricks/skills picked up by a lifetime around the game will give an 18 year old a veteran presence which will help him climb the ranks.
It doesn’t guarantee success, but it sure helps if you know which mistakes to avoid.
opportunity
The last name will get you drafted and will get you a longer look in the minors even if your failing, so that is an advantage.
Makeup wise it probably helps knowing what it takes to deal with the grind and being around a pro ballplayer you will probably get better instruction early on in life.
I may be in the vast minority, but bloodlines aren’t a positive to me. I evaluated a player on his ability, I don’t dream on his last name.
Well
Its not a major factor for me either, but it has to be a factor. If two players are a coinflip I probably would take the kid with the bloodlines. And its not just baseball, football and basketball are famous for taking “coaches kids”, even if just HS/College coaches, cause those kids are expected to know the game better
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