Can Victor Scott

[82birds]

he needs to go to bunting school over the offseason.

[AZ_Cardsfan]

Man this is a tough crowd. Scott was a rookie playing in a defective team offense. And he was never plugged in expecting a big bat to start with.

I think there is room for improvement and with the right coaching and team build around him we should see some. How much is unclear. But as mentioned earlier just get on base at .314 and he is worth keeping in CF for excellent defense and so many base hits/walks turned into doubles.

BTW before someone says 314 is too low that is the Cards team average for 2025.

I agree with your appeal for patience. What I didn't see from Scott last year, and need to see is a change in approach. He is never going to be any type of slugger. He could utilize his elite speed if he could get on base. He hasn't demonstrated a willingness to develop the skills needed to bring that about. I think he could- but he hasn't. His major league future could depend on it. If he can't get on base, he could be Siani'd.

If he doesn't improve OBP Siani is a good comp.

[3dender]

Man this is a tough crowd. Scott was a rookie playing in a defective team offense. And he was never plugged in expecting a big bat to start with.

I think there is room for improvement and with the right coaching and team build around him we should see some. How much is unclear. But as mentioned earlier just get on base at .314 and he is worth keeping in CF for excellent defense and so many base hits/walks turned into doubles.

BTW before someone says 314 is too low that is the Cards team average for 2025.

I agree with your appeal for patience. What I didn't see from Scott last year, and need to see is a change in approach. He is never going to be any type of slugger. He could utilize his elite speed if he could get on base. He hasn't demonstrated a willingness to develop the skills needed to bring that about. I think he could- but he hasn't. His major league future could depend on it. If he can't get on base, he could be Siani'd.

If he doesn't improve OBP Siani is a good comp.

In his 1st full year he already beat Siani's career best OPS by 30 points. As disappointing as his bat was this year, he still had over a .300 OBP from a very good 9% walk rate... his OBP was 8th best on the team this year, better than Saggese, Gorman, Arenado, Walker and Pages. Oh yeah and he doesn't turn 25 until next ST.

Siani is not a good comp, Siani is like the absolute floor (or even basement) for Victor Scott. Not sure why it's so hard for people to understand that. Not sure why people are so quick to give up on a guy that provided over 2 WAR as a top-3 defensive CF in the league and stole 34 bases, all in his very first year.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Man this is a tough crowd. Scott was a rookie playing in a defective team offense. And he was never plugged in expecting a big bat to start with.

I think there is room for improvement and with the right coaching and team build around him we should see some. How much is unclear. But as mentioned earlier just get on base at .314 and he is worth keeping in CF for excellent defense and so many base hits/walks turned into doubles.

BTW before someone says 314 is too low that is the Cards team average for 2025.

I agree with your appeal for patience. What I didn't see from Scott last year, and need to see is a change in approach. He is never going to be any type of slugger. He could utilize his elite speed if he could get on base. He hasn't demonstrated a willingness to develop the skills needed to bring that about. I think he could- but he hasn't. His major league future could depend on it. If he can't get on base, he could be Siani'd.

If he doesn't improve OBP Siani is a good comp.

In his 1st full year he already beat Siani's career best OPS by 30 points. As disappointing as his bat was this year, he still had over a .300 OBP from a very good 9% walk rate... his OBP was 8th best on the team this year, better than Saggese, Gorman, Arenado, Walker and Pages. Oh yeah and he doesn't turn 25 until next ST.

Siani is not a good comp, Siani is like the absolute floor (or even basement) for Victor Scott. Not sure why it's so hard for people to understand that. Not sure why people are so quick to give up on a guy that provided over 2 WAR as a top-3 defensive CF in the league and stole 34 bases, all in his very first year.

I haven't given up on him.

[blackinkbiz]

he needs to go to bunting school over the offseason.

Exactly! If he became a bunt on base threat he'd force defenders to move and the subsequent holes could improve his regular hitting as well.

[rockondlouie]

He is Billy Hamilton

My comp and fear too scouty.

[AZ_Cardsfan]

He is Billy Hamilton

My comp and fear too scouty.

I don't see that. Hamilton was fast but really that was ALL he was. Scott is a better defender. And while Scott will never be confused with a power hitter they can't knock the bat out of his hands with high velocity. They did it to Hamilton a lot.

I'm willing to give Scott a long look next year to see if he adjusts and as others have mentioned bunt a bit and take advantage of his speed. He doesn't have to do that much more to be an asset every day in CF. STL is OK if up the middle some combination of Bernal/Rodriguez meets projections, JJ and Winn keystone and Scott in CF. That is a group that could gel and be solid on both sides of the ball.

Assuming they trade off Arenado and Contreras (which I think they will try to do) Burleson plays 1B and Herrera DH. The key to all of this is they NEED productive hitters at the corners.

The NEED someone from Gorman, Walker, Saggese, etc to become bats first kind of guys. And better still add a real star like to play 3B or LF. But I'm betting they don't sign much this year looking at a work stoppage and reduced fan support.

Then of course there is the pitching problems to deal with but another day for that.

[dugoutrex]

Man this is a tough crowd. Scott was a rookie playing in a defective team offense. And he was never plugged in expecting a big bat to start with.

I think there is room for improvement and with the right coaching and team build around him we should see some. How much is unclear. But as mentioned earlier just get on base at .314 and he is worth keeping in CF for excellent defense and so many base hits/walks turned into doubles.

BTW before someone says 314 is too low that is the Cards team average for 2025.

I agree with your appeal for patience. What I didn't see from Scott last year, and need to see is a change in approach. He is never going to be any type of slugger. He could utilize his elite speed if he could get on base. He hasn't demonstrated a willingness to develop the skills needed to bring that about. I think he could- but he hasn't. His major league future could depend on it. If he can't get on base, he could be Siani'd.

If he doesn't improve OBP Siani is a good comp.

In his 1st full year he already beat Siani's career best OPS by 30 points. As disappointing as his bat was this year, he still had over a .300 OBP from a very good 9% walk rate... his OBP was 8th best on the team this year, better than Saggese, Gorman, Arenado, Walker and Pages. Oh yeah and he doesn't turn 25 until next ST.

Siani is not a good comp, Siani is like the absolute floor (or even basement) for Victor Scott. Not sure why it's so hard for people to understand that. Not sure why people are so quick to give up on a guy that provided over 2 WAR as a top-3 defensive CF in the league and stole 34 bases, all in his very first year.

given up? nope, just hoping he can maybe be Bader level bad someday

[blackinkbiz]

Man this is a tough crowd. Scott was a rookie playing in a defective team offense. And he was never plugged in expecting a big bat to start with.

I think there is room for improvement and with the right coaching and team build around him we should see some. How much is unclear. But as mentioned earlier just get on base at .314 and he is worth keeping in CF for excellent defense and so many base hits/walks turned into doubles.

BTW before someone says 314 is too low that is the Cards team average for 2025.

I agree with your appeal for patience. What I didn't see from Scott last year, and need to see is a change in approach. He is never going to be any type of slugger. He could utilize his elite speed if he could get on base. He hasn't demonstrated a willingness to develop the skills needed to bring that about. I think he could- but he hasn't. His major league future could depend on it. If he can't get on base, he could be Siani'd.

If he doesn't improve OBP Siani is a good comp.

In his 1st full year he already beat Siani's career best OPS by 30 points. As disappointing as his bat was this year, he still had over a .300 OBP from a very good 9% walk rate... his OBP was 8th best on the team this year, better than Saggese, Gorman, Arenado, Walker and Pages. Oh yeah and he doesn't turn 25 until next ST.

Siani is not a good comp, Siani is like the absolute floor (or even basement) for Victor Scott. Not sure why it's so hard for people to understand that. Not sure why people are so quick to give up on a guy that provided over 2 WAR as a top-3 defensive CF in the league and stole 34 bases, all in his very first year.

I haven't given up on him.

VScottII had a better season in MLB than Siani had at AAA.

Siani's not an MLB regular. A bench player, late-inning d replacement and pinch runner, sure, beyond that, nada.

[rockondlouie]

He is Billy Hamilton

My comp and fear too scouty.

I don't see that. Hamilton was fast but really that was ALL he was. Scott is a better defender. And while Scott will never be confused with a power hitter they can't knock the bat out of his hands with high velocity. They did it to Hamilton a lot.

I'm willing to give Scott a long look next year to see if he adjusts and as others have mentioned bunt a bit and take advantage of his speed. He doesn't have to do that much more to be an asset every day in CF. STL is OK if up the middle some combination of Bernal/Rodriguez meets projections, JJ and Winn keystone and Scott in CF. That is a group that could gel and be solid on both sides of the ball.

Assuming they trade off Arenado and Contreras (which I think they will try to do) Burleson plays 1B and Herrera DH. The key to all of this is they NEED productive hitters at the corners.

The NEED someone from Gorman, Walker, Saggese, etc to become bats first kind of guys. And better still add a real star like to play 3B or LF. But I'm betting they don't sign much this year looking at a work stoppage and reduced fan support.

Then of course there is the pitching problems to deal with but another day for that.

Well let's see.........

Hamilton age 24 season:

4 HR
57 SB's
.226 .274 .289 .563

VSII age 24 season:

5 HR
34 SB's
.216 .305 .296 .601

And you'd also be wrong stating that "Scott is a better defender":

Hamilton had 22 OAA in 2016 (first year stat was available)
VSII had 16 OAA in 2025

VSII (190 lbs) is much bigger and stronger than the razor thin Hamilton (160 lbs) but their slg%'s are remarkably close in their age 24 seasons while Hamilton was the superior base stealer and defensive CFer.

Unless C. Bloom can come up w/a better option in CF next season, then VSII will get another chance to show he can get on base or he's tossed to the scrap pile like J. Walker & N. Gorman will be if they fail in 2025.

[ClassicO]

The fixation with thinking improving his bunting will magically make him a valuable enough player to be a productive starter is puzzling.

[3dender]

The fixation with thinking improving his bunting will magically make him a valuable enough player to be a productive starter is puzzling.

What's puzzling is that you don't think 2 WAR is a productive starter.

He's already a productive starter at one of the most defensively important positions. The question isn't if he can be "productive" in general it's if he can be productive at the plate, which will make his total production borderline All-Star.

[Cusecards]

The fixation with thinking improving his bunting will magically make him a valuable enough player to be a productive starter is puzzling.

What's puzzling is that you don't think 2 WAR is a productive starter.

He's already a productive starter at one of the most defensively important positions. The question isn't if he can be "productive" in general it's if he can be productive at the plate, which will make his total production borderline All-Star.

Good points.
He needs to stop focusing on “driving” the ball especially to the pull side.
As someone also pointed out....grounders to the right side work against his strength.
He’ll get a ton of IF hits grounding to the left side.

[icon]

He is Billy Hamilton

My comp and fear too scouty.

I don't see that. Hamilton was fast but really that was ALL he was. Scott is a better defender. And while Scott will never be confused with a power hitter they can't knock the bat out of his hands with high velocity. They did it to Hamilton a lot.

I'm willing to give Scott a long look next year to see if he adjusts and as others have mentioned bunt a bit and take advantage of his speed. He doesn't have to do that much more to be an asset every day in CF. STL is OK if up the middle some combination of Bernal/Rodriguez meets projections, JJ and Winn keystone and Scott in CF. That is a group that could gel and be solid on both sides of the ball.

Assuming they trade off Arenado and Contreras (which I think they will try to do) Burleson plays 1B and Herrera DH. The key to all of this is they NEED productive hitters at the corners.

The NEED someone from Gorman, Walker, Saggese, etc to become bats first kind of guys. And better still add a real star like to play 3B or LF. But I'm betting they don't sign much this year looking at a work stoppage and reduced fan support.

Then of course there is the pitching problems to deal with but another day for that.

Well let's see.........

Hamilton age 24 season:

4 HR
57 SB's
.226 .274 .289 .563

VSII age 24 season:

5 HR
34 SB's
.216 .305 .296 .601

And you'd also be wrong stating that "Scott is a better defender":

Hamilton had 22 OAA in 2016 (first year stat was available)
VSII had 16 OAA in 2025

VSII (190 lbs) is much bigger and stronger than the razor thin Hamilton (160 lbs) but their slg%'s are remarkably close in their age 24 seasons while Hamilton was the superior base stealer and defensive CFer.

Unless C. Bloom can come up w/a better option in CF next season, then VSII will get another chance to show he can get on base or he's tossed to the scrap pile like J. Walker & N. Gorman will be if they fail in 2025.

Yeah, those stats for Hamilton fit my memory of him. A great defensive CF with great speed and a weak bat. Very comparable to Scott today. But Oli will never let him steal 57 bases. Not in his DNA. He likes to wait for the 3-run HR on a team with little HR power.

[3dender]

But Oli will never let him steal 57 bases. Not in his DNA. He likes to wait for the 3-run HR on a team with little HR power.

I have (maybe foolish) hope that this will change. Toward the end of the season, as he got on base less, it seemed like his frequency of steal attempt increased and he maintained his success rate.

I am hopeful that this is him and the team recognizing that he should be maximizing his time on base until he gets a healthier OBP, and that his elite 90% success rate convinces the coaching staff to give him free reign next year.

[rockondlouie]

He is Billy Hamilton

My comp and fear too scouty.

I don't see that. Hamilton was fast but really that was ALL he was. Scott is a better defender. And while Scott will never be confused with a power hitter they can't knock the bat out of his hands with high velocity. They did it to Hamilton a lot.

I'm willing to give Scott a long look next year to see if he adjusts and as others have mentioned bunt a bit and take advantage of his speed. He doesn't have to do that much more to be an asset every day in CF. STL is OK if up the middle some combination of Bernal/Rodriguez meets projections, JJ and Winn keystone and Scott in CF. That is a group that could gel and be solid on both sides of the ball.

Assuming they trade off Arenado and Contreras (which I think they will try to do) Burleson plays 1B and Herrera DH. The key to all of this is they NEED productive hitters at the corners.

The NEED someone from Gorman, Walker, Saggese, etc to become bats first kind of guys. And better still add a real star like to play 3B or LF. But I'm betting they don't sign much this year looking at a work stoppage and reduced fan support.

Then of course there is the pitching problems to deal with but another day for that.

Well let's see.........

Hamilton age 24 season:

4 HR
57 SB's
.226 .274 .289 .563

VSII age 24 season:

5 HR
34 SB's
.216 .305 .296 .601

And you'd also be wrong stating that "Scott is a better defender":

Hamilton had 22 OAA in 2016 (first year stat was available)
VSII had 16 OAA in 2025

VSII (190 lbs) is much bigger and stronger than the razor thin Hamilton (160 lbs) but their slg%'s are remarkably close in their age 24 seasons while Hamilton was the superior base stealer and defensive CFer.

Unless C. Bloom can come up w/a better option in CF next season, then VSII will get another chance to show he can get on base or he's tossed to the scrap pile like J. Walker & N. Gorman will be if they fail in 2025.

Yeah, those stats for Hamilton fit my memory of him. A great defensive CF with great speed and a weak bat. Very comparable to Scott today. But Oli will never let him steal 57 bases. Not in his DNA. He likes to wait for the 3-run HR on a team with little HR power.

Just blows my mind how many times VSII would actually get on base w/noone on 2nd and Oli would ANCHOR him to the bag.

With a .320-.330 OB% VSII could easily swipe 100 bases (89% success rate last season!) ala V. Coleman.

But will he ever get to that OB% level?