samflamont:

I love this phrase when it comes to baseball.  You usually hear people say this when they see someone who is extremely fast but cannot hit to save their lives.  This player may also be able to play a little defense but hitting is something they cannot do, and that is why scouts say we will teach him how to hit.  It is the way they justify taking a shot on someone who is an athlete and not a baseball player.

I really think this is the reason why I despise the 60 yard dash.  The 60 yard dash encourages scouts to sign guys like this and thus hurting “real baseball players”.  I think people who have average speed, can hit, and play a position provide 100% more value than players with speed.  Why? because if you cannot hit at the level you are currently playing at there is a very good chance you will not hit at higher levels, thus your speed will never get put to use.  It does not matter how fast you are if you do not get a chance to use your speed, and this just in a routine ground ball is a routine ground ball no matter how fast you are.  Yes I agree you may get a few more infield singles but that will not equate to being a good hitter.

I am totally against getting guys who can only run, I would much rather have a guy who can only hit, because this guy will win more games for my team than a guy with speed will.  If a guy can hit, you have a better chance teaching him to play first base or left field than teaching a guy who is fast to hit.  Also, remember a guy who crushes the ball can always be a DH.

If you think you can teach a guy how to hit, then Usain Bolt should have a long term deal worth some serious cash.