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The six tools of baseball that are rated for college and professional players, often referred to as the essential skills for a 6 tool player, include:  

1. Ability to Hit for Power (Gap Power and Home Runs)  

2. Ability to Hit for Average (Spray baseball around the field)  

3. Field your Position  

4. Throwing (Arm Strength and Arm Care)  

5. Running (Speed and Quickness)  

6. Mental Ability and Toughness  

These skills are evaluated on a 20/80 scale. The first number indicates where the individual currently grades, while the second number represents the potential trajectory of their career.  

- Very Far Below Average when compared to MLB Players (20)  

- Far Below Average when compared to MLB Players (30)  

- Below the Skill Level of an Average MLB Player (40)  

- Average MLB Player (50)  

- Plus Skill Set for an MLB Player (60)  

- Considered a Plus Plus Skill Set for an MLB Player (70)  

- Hall of Fame Potential (80)  

For example, if a high school senior in Rochester baseball can sprint from home to second base (60 yards) in 7.20 seconds, they may be graded a 20. If their family history includes a father and uncles who ran a 6.5 seconds for the same distance, their potential may score a 50. Therefore, for the tool of running, this high school senior could likely grade 20/50.  

Additionally, if a pitcher, who is a high school senior has a fastball with good movement and location at a velocity of 78 mph (the high school average for seniors), but has an older brother that can throw a 94 mph fastball in college, the potential is evident and he may have a 20/60 grade.  

The factors that determine a ranking or grading for players are numerous.