What is a "5 Tool Player?" (1 Viewer)

[LarryDavenport]

I have heard baseball players referred to as a "5 Tool Player" but have yet to hear what the 5 tools are. Can someone enlighten me?

 

[Phil L]

1. Hit for average 2. Hit for power 3. Field their position 4. run well, steal bases 5. Throw.

 

[Jeremiah]

It's

1. Fielding

2. Arm strength

3. Batting for power

4. Batting for average

5. Running ability.

Also known as A-Rod

 

[Phil L]

And Vlad.

 

[Cam S]

Wow, sounds like you guys are describing Cecil Fielder to a T!

Ken Griffey Jr. and Bonds would be considered 5 tool players as well.

 

[JamieD]

Ken Griffey Jr. and Bonds would be considered 5 tool players as well.

Once upon a time maybe, mid-90s.. But I would hesitate to call either of them that quite as quickly now. But Vlad and A-Rod, there's no hesitation.

 

[Dheiner]

Barry is probably only a 4.5, his arm is at best average.

 

[Phil L]

I don't think Griffey will be trying to steal bases anymore after all the leg injuries he's had. Especially not if it only opens 1st base for a team to put Dunn on.

Bonds doesn't really have the arm or speed he used to.

Jeter is a 5-tool guy, although with considerably less power than A-Rod or Vlad.

Soriano could be one if his fielding picks up.

Other 5-tool guys

Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Tejada, Nomar- None of these guys run much but they're on teams that don't steal bases

 

[Patrick_S]

Jeter is a 5-tool guy, although with considerably less power than A-Rod or Vlad.

??? Jeter's fielding a average to poor but I'd still like him on my team.

 

[Phil L]

Yeah, Jeter's fielding is at best average, although he fields to his right as well as any shortstop currently playing. I still think his fielding is good enough to make him a marginal five tool player.

 

[Jeremiah]

Jeter's fielding in the post season is second to none but the man doesn't have great power.

 

[Shane Bos]

Jose Cruz jr. would be another 5 tool player

 

[Dan Hine]

Jose Cruz jr? The guy with a career .251 average and .467 slugging percentage? He's not exactly what I'd call 5 tool. He's not a waste of a roster space, mind you...but still, at 28yrs old he needs to do something quick to be considered among the leagues top 25.

Up until about 2yrs ago you could make a case for Bagwell. Now he's really just 4 tool since he doesn't run much, but he does at least run wisely.

 

[John Thomas]

Maybe Soriano?

39 HR, 102 RBI, 41 SB and .300avg last year; has above average arm strength and is coming around in his fielding (though he has to work on it still).

(Just noticed Phil L's comment on this.) :b

However, there's much less emphasis on stolen bases nowadays, hence it's harder and harder to find such players.