JotCast | Live Chat With Former MLB Pitcher Tim Fortugno

Live Chat With Former MLB Pitcher Tim Fortugno

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Tim Fortugno

10:00

Good morning all. I'm looking forward to this chat/opportunity. Thank you for showing interest in this great game of ours. I hope to answer as many questions as I can. Happy 2023!

Duffy Scliff

10:04

Tim, thanks for chatting with us today! Can you tell us a little more about your current scouting role? What area of the country, do you scout more HS or college players, and what is a typical day like for a scout?

Tim Fortugno

10:04

Duffy, great question. I've experienced a lot and scouted in many roles. After my last year of pitching 1998, I went into Amateur Scouting for Texas Rangers - Socal 1999. I scouted HS, JC and 4yr players. I was fortunate enough to sign some ML players. Then, I was hired by NYM as their West Coast CrossChecker ... seeing best players on West Coast. Then, I scouted MiLB and MLB for trades and free agents. Back to Amateur Scouting with TR Rays in NorCal, Central Coast and North Nevada.

MikeD

10:07

Your final year in the CPBL was a good one. Did you find it difficult being so far from home, and why did you decide to retire then?

Tim Fortugno

10:07

Thank you MikeD. 1998 was my pre-determined last year. I knew my days were done here in the states. My last year in the major leagues was 1995. I saw the writing on the wall. So, I went to Taiwan and spent a year there with my family. I'm glad I did it.

Joe Davola

10:10

Hi Tim, I appreciate you doing this! Do you ever look back on your career through your scout eyes? What tool or skill would you tell yourself to focus on?

Tim Fortugno

10:10

Hey Joe, great question. I think I do but I also think that I grew up in a different time and kids are exposed to so many different things than I was ... social media, analytics, speed off bat, spin rates ... That said, I do look for competitive kids (period). Body language, work ethic, determination and drive are the ingredients I know I had.

MikeD

10:12

Tim, congratulations on a 37-year career in pro ball. Is there one moment, from playing and scouting, that stands out the most?

Tim Fortugno

10:12

Hi MikeD, I would say there are too many to really rattle off. But, getting my first call-up, my second call up after getting released four times in 12 months was special, and as a scout, signing 7 ML players in the draft was pretty cool. Thank you for asking ... great question.

Noah

10:15

When ur scouting a player what's the biggest thing you look for?

Tim Fortugno

10:15

Hi Noah, I look for "tools". For a pitcher - velocity, quality breaking ball, command of pitches. Competitive nature. For a position player, I look for arm strength for position, actions defensively, hit tool and power. AS well, I look for those competitive ingredients that all athletes seem to have: drive and determination.

Barbarino

10:17

Who did you punch out for your first big-league K?

Tim Fortugno

10:17

Hi Barbarino, Devon White ... FB down the middle.

Chris

10:20

Who was the best MLB hitter you faced and who was best hitter you scouted ?

Tim Fortugno

10:20

Hi Chris, the best hitter I faced is hard to say. ML hitters are all very good. John Olerud never seemed to swing at pitches out of the zone. Omar Vizquel was pesky and he was a tough out for me. Bottom line, loved the mano y mano battles. As for the best amateur hitter I scouted ... Bryce Harper

10:23

Hi Tim, what are your thoughts on the new rule changes in MLB. Do you think having a pitch clock would have bothered you when you played?

Tim Fortugno

10:23

Hi JT, hard to say. I liked to work fast. So, it never bothers me to think of that. It was the hitter that slowed me down that frustrated me. That said, my initial thoughts on the "time of game" issue would be to call BALLS-BALLS, and STRIKES-STRIKES no matter the hitter or count. CHEST to KNEES is in the rule book ... isn't it?

Josh

10:25

I remember you pitching with the Reds. What was your best memory with the Reds?

Tim Fortugno

10:25

Hi Josh, my time with the Reds was very special. I was released 4 times in 12 months after my first call-up with the Angels. So, to say I was happy would be an understatement. However, then the infamous '94 strike happened and the season ended. I was having a pretty good year and I was 33 years old.

Rollie

10:29

Tim, Brandon Nimmo has become one of the top CF in baseball. Where you a part in drafting him and how did that happen ?

Tim Fortugno

10:29

Hi Rollie, Brandon was special then and he's special now. My last year as a cross checker with the Mets was 2011. Jim Reeves (NW Scout) really fought for this guy. I saw him a lot and I was all in. I was told he had David Wright qualities. High praise I thought. Now, I believe.

Young Pitcher

10:33

What would be your biggest piece of advice to give to a young 9-12U athlete who aspires to be a pitcher?

Tim Fortugno

10:33

Dear Young Pitcher, play catch, do lots of long-toss. Then, master your FB command. And, then your CHG. Stay away from breaking balls until your older (15-16yrs) but even then, use sparingly.

Orioles

10:35

So far it looks like the orioles made the right call drafting Holliday over Jones. Who would you have taken number 1 overall?

Tim Fortugno

10:35

Orioles, I think Holliday is going to make them look smart. I personally only saw him at the AC Games in San Diego the summer before. I was very impressed with his field presence, defensive skills, and his hitting acumen. He is going to work out just fine. I can't really comment on others ... in 4-5 years, we get to do the Monday morning QB thing. The proof will be in the pudding.

John

10:41

How do you feel about players under the suspicion of steroids from your Era not making the HOF?

Tim Fortugno

10:41

Hi John, this is a tough one. Let me try to spin here. I don't have "personal proof" on anyone using or not. But, I do know playing in that ERA was tough. Now that my pitching career is over ... I can say, the playing field was not even. I "may have lost" or "may not have lost" major league service time due to those who had an advantage. So, who's to say my 2 years 1 day service time wouldn't have equated into 4 years 2 days of MLB service time???? That's my spin. I'll leave the HOF conversation up to those who want it.

Matty

10:46

Hi Tim, as a former big league pitcher and current scout, you’ve seen the game evolve a lot from your playing days. Can you talk about the biggest differences in the game now compared to when you were playing? Thanks!

Tim Fortugno

10:46

Hi Matty, great question. In some ways it's still the same with 60' 6" mound/plate distance and 90' bases. But, travel ball, analytics and social media really exposes the player to so many other elements. It can get overwhelming and confusing. But, as a former player and current scout, I try to keep it simple. "See the ball, catch the ball, hit the ball".

Angels

10:47

What was it like giving up George Brett's 3,000th hit?

Tim Fortugno

10:47

Angels, "humbling". However, the next day I came to the park and found a signed baseball and bat in my locker from George. Class Act!

John

10:48

Have you scouted anyone that turned into major league players? If so who’s been the most successful?

Tim Fortugno

10:48

Hi John, I've been fortunate to draft 7 guys who got to the ML. The most successful were CJ Wilson, Scott Feldman and John Mayberry Jr.

Brody M

10:53

Hey Tim, have you been approached to sell the movie rights of your life? You have one heck of a story!

Tim Fortugno

10:53

Hi Brody, thank you for the kind remarks. Not sure about movie, but I do want to write my memoir .... already started. I really want to share my story with anyone. I think there are a few more layers than baseball only. In short, I've made a life out of a dream and wanted to convey hope. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Another angle, I want to share my story with my grandchildren.

Tim

11:00

If you were a GM would you be like Dave Dombrowski or the Orioles GM? One values prospects a lot more than the other.

Tim Fortugno

11:00

Hi Tim, I'm a big Dave Dombrowski fan. He's outstanding at his job. He's personable and he cares about his people around him. I was looking for a job in the past, and he called me personally to encourage me to stay in the game. I will never forget that.

Aspiring Scout

11:01

Hi Tim, I want to be a scout. Any advice?

Tim Fortugno

11:01

Dear Aspiring Scout, dream big. Don't ever give up. Once you do, nobody will believe in you. I know that sounds simple ... but, I'm a big believer in finding a way. Good luck. Don't give up.

Tim Fortugno

11:03

Hello everyone, my apologies I couldn't get to all the questions. Maybe, MLB Trade Rumors will have me back. That said, got a call during this CHAT. Scouting season is just starting. I best be on my way. Until next time. TimF

Load More Messages

Connecting…

Jorge78

3:23

Hi Tim! You signed with Cleveland in the secondary round of the 1984 draft and not with Oakland in the first round of that draft. What's the story behind that? Thanks!

Barbarino

4:02

Love what you guys are doing with Rays. Without giving away any trade secrets, why is your scouting group so successful?

Barbarino

4:02

What are your thoughts on the rule changes for MLB this year?

Joe Davola

4:05

Did you get the ball back from your first big league hit?

Doug

4:06

As a fan, it seems unpredictable which top prospects fulfill their potential or bust. What do you look for as a scout to try to determine if a prospect’s skills will translate to the majors?

Coach Chad

4:06

Best changeup grip ( age specific )

David

4:07

Thank you for doing this. If a high school player shows you that he has tools that are a 50 grade or better (i.e. a 60 runner with a 60 arm in the OF) but looks lost at the plate and shows weak contact, do you write him off since position players usually goes as far as their bat takes them in the pros? Also, when scouting MilB players, do you usually only bump the future grade up one (i.e. a 50 to a 60) since they are more physically mature and experienced than a high school player?

Old school

4:08

Am I the only one tired of hearing about pitch counts? To me if your stater has it working, why pull him after 90 pitches? I watched an Angels game last season,

KevinS

4:09

I currently serve as a video scout intern for a third party scouting agency. Any advice into breaking into the big leagues as a scout, short of having your uncle own a team?

Twinkies

4:09

Is there ever a non-playing issue that makes someone an instant pass?

John

4:09

Did you scout mainly pitchers or hitters too?

Rangerfan

4:10

Are the rangers done with the roster? haven't really heard from them lately as others are still tinkering? What is going to happen in the outffield?

Guest

4:10

What was it like making those starts in the majors after spending most of your minor league career as a reliever? How much of an adjustment was it?

John

4:11

When you stopped playing did that end your professional relationship with your agent or does your agent also work out scouting deals?

Matthias

4:11

Howdy Tim, is there a ballpark you enjoyed visiting or playing at as a player that is no longer in use?

MetsBro

4:11

Tell me from your perspective about the trials of a prospect like Kelenic. How does someone so highly touted at every level find themselves falling off a cliff at the major league level?

Barbarino

4:12

What are your thoughts on the WBC? Part of me likes it, but part of me views it as just another opportunity for good players to get injured in games that don't mean anything.

George from Brooklyn

4:12

As a Mets fan, did you see Jeff McNeil on the west coast as a Mets cross checker? Also, what was your experience with Mets ownership at the time?

Phil - Milwaukee

4:12

How can someone become an associate scout?

John

4:13

Any player you scouted, were low on, and realize now you Whiffed bc he's a great player?

Chris George

4:13

Hey buddy it’s been a long time. You were a gamer. I loved that nasty curve you threw. We had some good times.

Guest

4:13

Hey Tim, my family and I met you at Pizzeria-Uno in Boston back in 1995. Wanted to thank you for being so down to earth and answering our questions about playing in the big leagues.

Nick A

4:13

Hi Tim, thanks for taking time out of your day to do this. Is it possible to get into scouting without a playing background, and if so, what advice would you have to get started?

Fred Glatter

4:13

Thanks, Tim. In a time stressing computer driven analytics, can a scout still rise to higher ranks in the front office? Would you be interested in trying to do so?

Bobby

4:14

where you with the Mets when they drafted Brandon Nimmo ? Can you tell us about that decision ?

John

4:14

How stable is the scouting end of the job? Are scouts regularly let go/ changing teams? How do you stay desirable in the market then?

Orioles

4:14

Hey Tim!

Matthew

4:15

Greetings Tim, thanks for chatting with us today! I assume as a scout you have traveled a lot and visited a great many places. Do you have any memorable scouting stories?

Joey from Queens

4:15

Where you a part of drafting

Orioles

4:15

As a scout how do you rate the prospects you're seeing in Baltimore? are they overhyped or is the praise warranted?

Joey from Queens

4:15

where you a part of drafting Nimmo ?

Guest

4:16

What advice would you give to someone looking to join baseball scouting but who has never played collegiaately or professional?

Steve

4:17

Tim, what a great career you have had. What player did you draft that was deemed “ risky “ ?

Orioles

4:17

Do you think Jackson Holliday is really a superstar in the making?

Orioles

4:17

Which of the Orioles top prospects most excite you? a

Mark

4:19

Hi Tim how do you think the international draft will impact latin American scouting?

John

4:19

Who do you pass your scouting evaluations into? Director of Scouting? GM? AGM?

Rollie

4:21

Tim,
Brandon Nimmo has become one of the top CF in all of baseball.

Rollie

4:21

tim.

Ron Mexico

4:21

How does the scouting process differ between the various organizations you have worked for? And more generally, how has amateur scouting changed over the years?

Barbarino

4:21

Any good Terry Bevington stories you can share?

Steve

4:22

Do you still scout the Mexican Winter League? Did You ever sign anyone out of that league?

Brian

4:22

Thanks for your time. What was your favorite minor league stop in your career? Also, do you like to receive fan mail?

Chitownvol

4:24

What advice would you give to someone trying to break into baseball as a scout but has no experience playing?

Make Up

4:24

How much of a deep dive into a players personality and past do scouts look into nowadays? Do things like twitter posts factor into drafting decisions ?

Jimmy P.

4:25

Hi Tim, thanks for your time this morning. How did you get the news of your first call up?

Pitching Guru

4:26

What were your thoughts knowing that you will be the name placed with the 3000th hit of Brett, before picking him off?

Barbarino

4:26

I've never understood why some people are so obsessed with how long it takes to play a game. That's one of the many things that makes baseball great...there's no clock. It takes as long as it takes.

Jeremya1um

4:26

Hey Tim. What were some fun things you did during off days? Any favorite cities?

SSmith

4:27

You pitched a 129-pitch complete game...what's your thoughts on the current state of pitch counts?

Josh

4:27

Thanks. I didn't remember all the releases. My apologies.

Brewers fan

4:28

I think it is cool that you picked off Hall Of Famer George Brett

Ken

4:28

Hello from SCC Vanguard (Lions) to another! Any advice for those guys at the "little" schools trying to make it to the professional ranks?

Hung the Curve

4:28

What are the qualities that make a good manager? Fans only see in-game decisions. There must be more.

BlueJayCrazy

4:28

Hi Tim, I'm from the Era that you pitched in but I don't remember you. Can you describe what type of pitcher you were?

Guest

4:29

Enjoy your time with the Angels...I know you were on the other side of history but how was it seeing George Brett get number 3000??? I always thought Oberkfell should have had that ball LOL

Barbarino

4:31

Favorite all-time teammate is...?

Alex

4:31

Tim, how have you seen amateur scouting change in the past 10 years or so? If you think anything currently could be improved about amateur scouting across the game, what would it be?

Matt

4:32

Hey Tim, as a scout have you ever had to fight hard for a pitcher who didn't have the velocity but instead more finesse? And if so, how did that conversation go with the front office? Curious if those guys get passed on.

Ryan Express

4:33

What are you most proud of throughout your baseball career? Making it to the bigs, having success as a scout…

Guest

4:33

Loved you as an Angel....How was it to be on the other side of George Brett's 3000th hit.. I still think Oberkfell should have had that ball LOL

Alan

4:35

Hi Tim--Please describe what was going through your mind as you were waiting for the game to continue after giving up George Brett's 3000th hit and the ensuing congratulatory pause in the game? Also, when did it come into your thought to pick him off first immediately after?

Ryan Express

4:35

After being in so many different organizations, which organization have you/did you enjoy the most? Either as a player or scout.

Moose

4:35

Hello, Tim. What is the relationship between scouts like? Is there a friendly competition between scouts from other teams? Does anyone do any crowing to others when their opinions were borne out by a player succeeding (or even failing to succeed, I suppose)?

Guest

4:36

You mentioned "David Wright qualities", how do MLB teams value leadership skills and do you think more players should focus on growing their leadership skills?

Braves

4:36

Who in baseball has had the biggest impact on how you view the game?

Dave

4:36

Hi, Tim. I’m always amazed at how prospects can perform at a high level at Triple A, but look completely lost at the plate once they face major league pitchers. Obviously, the pitchers they face are better. But is there anything else that explains this?

Aspiring Scout

4:37

Tim, how did you become a scout?

Aspiring Scout

4:37

How can I become a scout?

Guest

4:37

Hi Tim. Do you have a favorite teammate from your time as a player? How about a player you admired most from afar?

Robert

4:38

Hi Tim thanks for doing this! What advice would you give to a sophomore catcher in high school trying to get noticed by scouts?

ThreePhones

4:39

How do you feel about the whole Houston Astros sign stealing fiasco? Does their 2022 championship help legitimize their legacy in any way?

Wily Coyote

4:39

Congrats on a nice career in pro ball. Just wondering if your scouting work is noticeably different with the Rays given their strong player development history?

Tristan

4:39

What advice would you give to a high school kid trying to become a Major League GM someday?

Ryan Express

4:41

One more, best part about being a big leaguer? Best part about being a scout?

Tim

4:43

Are prospects overrated? I keep seeing once top prospects bouncing from team to team.

Joe Davola

4:44

Which player gave you the most comfort playing defense behind you?

MikeD

4:46

Players and scouts in the game have a vastly different view of MLB than fans. Two part question: What’s the one thing that fans don’t factor in enough when evaluating players? Second, who was your favorite team growing up, and is there enough boyhood fandom still left that you follow them from a distance?

Cornel

4:47

Have you ever recommended that an amateur player get drafted much higher than where he was ultimately picked? Have any of those players gone on to have long careers?

Tim

4:48

Who are the top 3 best players for the mlb draft? Thanks for answering questions today we really appreciate it.

WSox fan

4:48

What happened to the SSiders in '95, their only losing record in '90 thru '96 span? They were in ALCS couple years before and 1st place prior to the 94 strike (lot of talent).

Puna bruddah

4:48

Thanks for doing this Tim. I can see why some players could object to steroid usage. My question is how much service time is needed to qualify for the pension?

Amelia

4:48

Do you think we'll see a young woman signed by a club in the next 15-20 years?

Tim

4:49

George Brett left you a signed ball and bat. What a great story. Thanks for sharing.

Robert

4:51

Hi Tim. How much background goes into scouting players (off the field) these days? Do teams pay attention to what the kids are eating?

Doyle

4:52

Do you have a preference for high school players vs college players as prospects? or does it really matter?

4:52

The most non talent skill a high school freshmen can have going into tryouts?

MikeD

4:53

Do you remember how (what pitches) you struck out Don Mattingly and Edgar Martinez on? Both were difficult to K.

Mike

4:54

Do the 2023 Orioles have the best farm system you have ever seen?

J.D.

4:55

Hi Tim!

Just wanting to know how life was like back in your day as a guy who mostly played in the minors? Any fun stories you have about minor league life?

4:55

Hey TIm, Whats the most non talent skill a freshmen in high school have going into tryouts?

Guest

4:56

Do you like being a scout?

Guest

4:57

Did you like playing overseas?

Jorge78

4:57

Hi Tim! How did it feel to be traded for a case of baseballs (according to Tim)?

4:58

Hey Tim, what is the most non talent skill a player can have?

Sahil

4:58

Tim, thank you for doing this chat! How did you go from throwing a tennis ball around at a construction site to joining a college baseball team? Did you play baseball as a kid and decide to get back into it in college?

Jacob S

5:00

What team gave you the most fits? What team did you have the most success against?

Scout Question

5:00

Tim, as a scout, to what depth do you get into background checks of kids/athletes? Do you make recommendations on talent/potential or do you get into other potential social traits?

KevinS

5:00

Any advice on how to break into scouting? Seems like a tough industry

5:01

most non talent skill a player can have?

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