Also, #MLBA20 & scouting thoughts. I've had to really watch my words this year. I really watch what I say because I don't want to just kill guys in my write ups. Being realistic is something only a few people do well in prospect media. It's not just about hyping guys.

Like I really wanted to kill Estevan Florial in my report. The injuries have messed with his maturation and I don't think he has a feel for hitting what so ever. I can't ignore the tools though. If I was an org scout, he'd be on life support. If I was wrong, I'd be ok with it.

I'm part fantasy writer, part scout, part promoter of the minor leagues (As much as I don't like it) and all human. I know our words have consequences being posted online or in books. 30 teams can see them. Still, it can't stop you from being tough.

Other will tell me how high they've been on a guy since when. But I never hear about the guys they were high on and didn't pan out. Like, I wear those names on my sleeve with pride. I can tell you what went wrong on most. If I can't tell you, I chalk it up to scouting.

The ones of us who have been through the ringer before know we're just taking educated guesses with the skills and pointers we've amassed over our careers. We want to be right but we know our evaluation is an opinion on future value.

Our data continues to improve and, as you amass a bankbook of dudes you've scouted, you're able to put dudes in giant buckets with other prospect who have either verified or not.

My biggest advice for anyone starting out is to find someone to mentor you, from near or far away. I'm lucky. I've had several mentors and editors. Also, consider sound arguments no matter where they come from. However, if you are convicted about a dude, stay convicted.

You can't take criticism negatively, you should learn from it. If family, players or agents reach out about your words, evaluation or ranking, be respectful and listen. Don't try to make it better. Don't sell out for access (I've seen some of you do this). Be your own evaluator.

Be convicted and confident but don't be disrespectful to peers who may disagree. Try to sway their opinion with your opinion but don't get mad when you try to force your opinion and they aren't open to your opinion being shoved down their throat.

I have no clue why I just wrote out this long thread after writing up Joe Ryan and Estevan Florial. I had things to say and just didn't know I needed to get them off my chest. Also, my #ProspectMock480 > the field.