Scott Heard

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #24 prospect in 2002
  Shortly before the 2000 draft, Heard was a candidate to be the No. 1 overall choice by the Marlins. Concerns about how he'd hit with pro pitching with wood bats caused him to slide all the way to the 25th pick, and the Rangers have learned the hard truth about why Heard fell. He's slow and has the body of "a 40-year-old backup catcher," according to one National League scout. Heard must increase his commitment to conditioning. His lack of offense earned him a demotion last summer, though he returned to low Class A in August with a somewhat shorter swing and hit .257 with three homers in his final 20 games. Heard's defensive skills never have come into question, and he's equipped with plus arm strength. He'll get every chance because he can catch and throw, but he's years away from being considered even a major league backup.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #14 prospect in 2001
  If it were a matter of defense, Heard probably could catch in the majors now. He moves well behind the plate and has a strong arm with a quick release. The only catcher better than him in the organization is Ivan Rodriguez, who's the best in the game. There is, however, the matter of offense. Heard's poor hitting in his final high school season hurt his draft status--at one point he looked like he would go to Florida as the No. 1 overall choice--though he did improve once he turned pro. Heard quickly took to the instruction of Butch Wynegar, a former major league catcher, and tore up the Gulf Coast League. The Rangers believe Heard's high school problems stemmed from trying too hard to hit home runs in hopes of impressing scouts. With Wynegar, Heard settled back into a more consistent swing and tried to hit the ball up the middle. Questions about offense will follow Heard at each level while he wows observers with his skills behind the plate.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked American League #14 prospect in 2001
  Heard regained some lost confidence during a midseason demotion to Pulaski. After struggling early in the season at low Class A Savannah, the 2000 first-round pick regained his batting stroke in the Appy League, resulting in a .298 average, five homers and a return to the South Atlantic League. "We really concentrated with his hitting here as opposed to his defense, and he did a great job," Crabbe said. "I think he made great strides offensively. He's also a pretty good defensive player with a strong arm, and I think he will be a solid all-around player in the future." Heard impressed opposing managers with his arm and ability to receive pitches. The concern among some centered on whether Heard is physically strong enough to catch 100 games a year. Others noted that his bat speed was below-average and that he had trouble getting the head of the bat on above-average fastballs.

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  Heard regained some lost confidence during a midseason demotion to Pulaski. After struggling early in the season at low Class A Savannah, the 2000 first-round pick regained his batting stroke in the Appy League, resulting in a .298 average, five homers and a return to the South Atlantic League. "We really concentrated with his hitting here as opposed to his defense, and he did a great job," Crabbe said. "I think he made great strides offensively. He's also a pretty good defensive player with a strong arm, and I think he will be a solid all-around player in the future." Heard impressed opposing managers with his arm and ability to receive pitches. The concern among some centered on whether Heard is physically strong enough to catch 100 games a year. Others noted that his bat speed was below-average and that he had trouble getting the head of the bat on above-average fastballs.