Seventy-five Major League Baseball scouts requested to attend Thursday night’s matchup between LSU and Tennessee.
While both teams have several draft-eligible players, most eyes were focused on three players who are projected to be this year’s top-5 overall picks: LSU’s right-hander Paul Skenes, center fielder Dylan Crews and Tennessee right-hander Chase Dollander.
We asked four scouts their thoughts on the atmosphere and each of the players. All were granted anonymity to protect their organizations.
Scout 1: American League national scout, 20 years of experience
Scout 2: American League front office assistant, 12 years of experience
Scout 3: National League regional scout, 5 years of experience
Scout 4: National League regional scout, 4 years of experience
What did you think of Thursday night’s atmosphere? Have you ever seen anything like it?
Scout 1: This is the best college baseball game I’ve ever scouted from a talent and pitching standpoint. The only thing that compares is I saw Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer throw in the same doubleheader for UCLA.
Scout 2: I’ve been scouting a long time, played in the Southeastern Conference, this is what it was built up to be. The two premier pitchers lived up to the bill. I did scout a game where it was Arizona State versus Cal, there were five first-rounders … Hunter Bishop (ASU), Andrew Vaughn (Cal), Korey Lee (Cal) to name a few. But this is up there as far as pure talent.
Scout 3: The only thing that comes close to this atmosphere is a regional at Arkansas a few years ago against Nebraska; the fans were really into it. This is a big environment as a visitor.
Scout 4: This was a good one to get, the atmosphere makes it fun. I lucked out sitting behind home plate. This was the most fun game I’ve ever scouted, so much competitive energy.
What impressed you most about Skenes?
Scout 1: His fastball is exceptional; he hides the ball well. He’s a physical monster and that slider with the split finger grip, you’d be hard-pressed to find anybody better than that.
Scout 2: The body jumps out at you right away, but his ability to throw strikes is one of his best assets.
Scout 3: It’s a combination of stuff and pitchability. He has great command and ability to control secondary pitches for strikes early and he’s able to extend innings with consistent velocity.
Scout 4: He’s up there. I’ve never seen him before in person. He’s impressive, especially his ability to throw that fastball for seven innings.
What impressed you most about Dollander?
Scout 1: Dollander is going to be a really good pitcher in the majors. He has good arm action and delivery, throws four pitches for strikes. The only guy that could upstage him is Paul Skenes.
Scout 2: He has premium stuff. LSU ran the count up on him but he has high first-round character and he was able to make pitches to get out of bad situations.
Scout 4: I thought he competed really well.
What stood out to you about Crews?
Scout 1: His bat speed is exceptional; it looks like the ball could beat him, but it doesn’t. And he’s extremely athletic. I was impressed with some of the jumps he took in the field. He’s a true five-tool player.
Scout 3: If you watch a lot of other hitters last night, a lot of them got overwhelmed by guys with big stuff. But if you watch Dylan’s at-bats, he’s always on time, always taking aggressive swings. He’s never overpowered.
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