You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Live Chat With Former MLB Scout Tim Kissner
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
JGA
10:43
Tim, do you speak multiple languages and if not did you find it more challenging when using and interpreter?
Tim kissner
10:44
in the early years in Asia- I would rely on the hotel to write notes in the language - for -  I need a taxi, or please take me to this stadium.  Google translate helps!  And having scouts in those countries who are bilingual helps too.  My spanish is passable, so that helped me survive in Latin America
Coop
10:44
How did so many teams miss out on Mike Trout in that first round when he was selected 22nd overall  I believe.
Tim kissner
10:47
I wouldn't say they missed him-  I mean Mike is truely a great player- but he was a right handed hitter, coming out of the NE, and a HS player at that.  Teams look at demographics.  HS baseball can be difficult to scout- the opposing teams can be terrible, and it's tough to see the player challenged.  Yelich was a great hitter too- and out of southern cal with more exposure.  He went in roughly the same area.  Now, I am not comparing Mike and Christian... just FYI.  I didn't see Mike in HS, and don't know the discussions that were had in draft rooms that year.  He obviously didn't show the tools on a regular basis in HS, that he has now!
Danger Mouse
10:48
Mike Piazza:  thoughts on what happened with him to go from being drafted as kind of a favor to becoming a HOF catcher?
FA
10:48
or Albert Pujols while we're on that topic
Tim kissner
10:50
My 1st year scouing, I saw Albert player before the Dbacks signed him.  SUmmer of 1999.  I believe a 13th rounder??  He could flat out hit.  Great approach and simple swing.  He was heavy, didn't know where he would play on the diamond.  How did he become a HOF?  Dude rakes.  He made himself into a solid defender.  He matured, he got stronger.  His makeup is off the charts.  He loves the game.  I don't know who signed him- but that is one hell of a job
Taylor
10:51
Do you have any stories of scouting Julio you would be willing to share? Thanks for being a part of bringing him to Seattle! It seems you had a large part in shaping this new era of M's baseball. I appreciate your hard work and effort (as well as those who tried but were less successful than you)!
Tim kissner
10:55
Thanks Taylor. I appreciate your kind words.  Seattle was my home for a long time, and I feel like I was able to give a little back to the city- I hope that doesn't sound arrogent.  Yes- here's one.  I knew we had to sign Julio-  I wanted to make sure we did all the work possible to make a good financial decision.  Last thing i asked him to do was hit off this machine in the cages.  Him and two other kids.  We had an 80 mph CB set up.  It was totally filthy.  Like a Brad Lidge slider, if you remember that. Short, tight and deep.  Julio swung and missed at the 1st one he saw.  Centered the next handful up- say 8 or 9.  total lasers-  amazing adjustment made after one pitch.  the other two kids, i don't think made contact one time between them.  decision made......
Heather
10:55
Can you talk about the impact Tim Wilken had in your career?
Tim kissner
10:59
I love Tim Wilken.  In my opinion one of the greatest scouts our game has ever seen-  and I have 23 years to back up that statement.  Timmy is like a dad, or big brother to me.  He got us to look for little things, his attention to detail was amazing.  He encouraged us to follow our gut.  My two years with Tim in Chicago are very special to me.  I am not sure if Timmy still wants to scout-  but baseball needs him- and I know an organiziation could really benefit from having him be involved.  I have to mention Marti Wolever as well.  Marti was very impactful in my career, and a very close friend to this day.  The fundementals of my scouting, all came from Marti, Mike Arbuckle, the late Jimmy Fregosi and Billy Moore
Orioles
10:59
Do you buy the hype that Rustchman could be the next Mauer/Posey type catcher?
Tim kissner
10:59
Yes I do!  He
11:00
His make up-  is going to make his tools even better.  He's a leader too
Barbarino
11:00
Favorite scouting/MLB experience? Least favorite?
Tim kissner
11:01
Advancing for 2008 season. I covered the Dodgers who we beat in the NLCS, or meeting with Nippon Ham the year before Ohtani came out...   least fav-  probably sitting through some all day tourny in the heat somewhere teamsheeting guys
Fenway Fanatic
11:01
Do you think there should be more scouting in Europe? I feel like there is a lot of talent not being utilized.
Tim kissner
11:03
the reduction in minor league teams makes it tough.  these kids lack experience.  they have tools. ... but need more experience in games.  i think the JC route is great option for many
Guest
11:04
Thank you for your service as a police officer! What’s harder being a cop or being a scout?
Tim kissner
11:05
You bet!  Happy to serve.  Being a cop is much more difficult, but I love the chance to help people and give back to my hometown
Orbit
11:05
Who would you say was the player you were most wrong about?
Tim kissner
11:07
Hate to single out players by name.  But I have made some big mistakes, and they were usually where I missed on the makeup- and the player just dind't have what it took to fight through the tough times in the game . ....or were playing for the wrong reasons.... money, etc.
Joey
11:07
Do you read comments on MLBTR?
Tim kissner
11:07
If it's a post I like-  or have interest in - I do
Barbarino
11:07
How has the scouting industry improved since your first days in the industry?
Tim kissner
11:08
It's changed a lot.  the ability to track things...  the video aspect, etc.  I'd say the access to video really helps slow things down and get a better look at an arm path, or a swing for example
Trog
11:09
Thoughts on whether or not an international draft should be instituted?
Tim kissner
11:09
another question we could debate on for ever.  When I was running the department, i voted no on this at the MLB International Director meetings.  I believe now, there should be .....
Andrew
11:10
Props to you and your former teams scouting of Julio Rodríguez. Obviously that’s looking like a big score, but looking at your tenure is there someone you had a chance at but regret missing out on?
Tim kissner
11:11
I missed a bunch! We all do :)  We spent a ton of time scouting Oneil Cruz, now with Pitt... but I worried he would get too tall and outgrow SS
Kirk J.
11:12
How has the infusion of analytics in baseball changed scouting, for better or for worse? Are there new metrics that you like or don’t like?
Tim kissner
11:13
It's changed!  As long as you still listen to your scouts and weigh all the info..... then thats better
Joey
11:13
What is Julio Rodriguez’s ceiling? As someone who signed him, I’d assume you have a good idea.
Tim kissner
11:15
Ceiling-  whatever Julio wants it to be!  He's very talented and has the makeup to go with.  MVP - a few of them I hope-
Marc Kligman
11:15
Hey Timmy. You will be missed in the industry. How was it dealing with those advisors/agents? What did u like or dislike about those interactions when you were on the amateur side?
Tim kissner
11:15
Marc!!  hey bufd
Buddy!
11:16
There are guys like you, who I can't wait to see.....
and there are other ones who you dread taking their call.  Agents are like people in general, some good ones and some bad ones.  I appreciate your words-  stay in touch Klig!
baseball gods laugh and laugh
11:17
Hi Tim, Thanks for chatting. Have you ever scouted games in Taiwan? If so, what stood out?
Connecting…