Description
Book Synopsis: A fascinating look at how MLB teams find diamonds in the rough
In the plainest of terms, baseball scouts are tasked with seeing the future—a distant future, at that. Baseball's long developmental arc leaves room for plenty of twists and turns on the way to The Show. Some prospects shoot like arrows toward their projected potential, while others fizzle out or chart an unexpected course.
Joey Votto was a lightly scouted high schooler out of Ontario, Canada. Charlie Blackmon was once coveted for his left arm more than his offensive potential. Mookie Betts "lost interest in the draft" as he went unselected round after round. Jacob deGrom refused to relinquish his role as a shortstop. Lorenzo Cain never even put on a baseball glove until high school— and then wore it on the wrong hand.
Smart, Wrong, and Lucky explores how first impressions measure up to their aftermaths: the draft, years of progression, and for a talented few, major league success. MLB.com writer Jonathan Mayo profiles a diverse range of modern stars and looks at them through the eyes of those who noticed them first as prospects.
Featuring exclusive interviews with scouts, players, coaches, and more, this fascinating collection of origin stories is an ode to baseball's endless possibilities.
Details
Discover the untold stories of baseball's unexpected stars in "Smart, Wrong, and Lucky." This captivating book takes you behind the scenes of MLB scouting, revealing how some players defy all odds to become major league legends. From Joey Votto to Mookie Betts, each player's journey to success is a testament to the game's unpredictability.
Uncover the secrets of how baseball scouts identify hidden talent in a sea of prospects. With insights from exclusive interviews with scouts, players, and coaches, you'll gain a new perspective on the incredible foresight and intuition required to recognize a future star. "Smart, Wrong, and Lucky" is a must-read for any baseball fan looking to understand the alchemy of talent discovery.
Dive deep into the fascinating world of baseball scouting and development with MLB.com writer Jonathan Mayo's meticulously researched profiles. Learn how Charlie Blackmon's offensive prowess emerged from his once-overlooked left arm, and how Lorenzo Cain's late start to the game led to a remarkable journey of success. This book showcases the power of resilience, perseverance, and yes, a touch of luck.
Are you ready to unravel the origin stories of baseball's most unexpected stars? Grab your copy of "Smart, Wrong, and Lucky" today and embark on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of the professional baseball world.
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