5 tools?

[Nottso]

I often hear about someone being a "5 tool player" and I'm not 100% sure what that means. My best guess is:

1. Hit for power
2. Hit for average
3. Good defender
4. Good arm
5. Good speed

Is this right? If not, please clue me in. Thanks.

[Brian the Automator]

That's exactly right.

[Nottso]

Thanks!

[razzzorsharp]

I always thought it was...

 

1) Watches a lot of spanish TV

2) Able to distinhuish the true meaning of idioms

3) Can stain moldings well

4) Able to grow an Abe Lincoln type beard

5) can recite at least 12 different smurf names

 

I am only a three tool player

[hawing]

Last month, The Onion identified a 6-tool player.

[Nottso]

That, Ms Hawing, is beautiful; simply beautiful.

[cwolf2012]

I've always thought plate discipline should be considered the 6th tool. This probably won't happen, but I'd love to see it become part of the discussion when talking about toolsy players.

[Nottso]

I would think "hits for average" couldn't really happen without good plate discipline.

[cwolf2012]

I would think "hits for average" couldn't really happen without good plate discipline.

See Pierre, Juan. For that matter, Escobar, Alcides.

 

There have been a lot of people who bat .300 who swing early and often. Even Braun and Hart would fit in the category of high BA/relatively low OBP.

[Ennder]

Vlad has terrible plate discipline and is a high AVG hitter.

[sbrylski]

Translated tools for sabermetricians:

 

High HR/FB

Low O-Swing%

SB/(SB+CS) > .7

High UZR

Good Arm

[Nottso]

Very good points on "hits for average" vs "plate discipline." I stand corrected.