(*) BATTERS: First time, full time

The great author (and Hall of Fame drunkard) Charles Bukowski wrote:

"Potential... doesn't mean a thing. You've got to do it. Almost every baby in a crib has more potential than I have."

Bukowski probably wasn't thinking about baseball players when he wrote this passage in the novel, "Women," but he certainly captured the essential challenge of projecting major league prospects. After all, talent is just one part of the equation in life as well as baseball. Ability means nothing if there is no work ethic applied to shape it into the refined skill it can be. This is why many talented prospects flounder or plateau at the big league level while less talented but harder working players flourish. Hard work trumps talent most every time.

This...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Batters

In our last installment this season, a look at the lineup spots for James Wood, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Junior Caminero.
Sep 6 2024 3:03am
Jackson Merrill's huge multi-category contributions in August came with strong underlying support.
Sep 2 2024 3:07am
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has seemed destined for greatness from the time he was a teenager, but he has had an up-and-down journey in the Major Leagues. We dig into how he has bounced back in 2024.
Aug 27 2024 3:08am
The exciting early returns from James Wood would accelerate quickly if he could figure out a way to loft the ball against lefties.
Aug 26 2024 3:06am
This week we focus on three hitters who moved into new lineup spots in the second half, fueling improved production.
Aug 23 2024 3:03am

Tools