This system is based off the one used at Hockey’s Future, but applied for baseball purposes.
Traditional Realistic Potential Rating (1-10)
(a player’s realistic potential ability):
10. Generational Talent - a player for the ages, one who can do things with the bat, glove, or ball that no other player would even contemplate doing. Very, very few players will be deserving of this rating, probably one per decade.
- Pitcher: Walter Johnson
- Batter: Ken Griffey, Jr.
9. Elite Talent - possesses the potential for greatness, a perennial All-Star throughout his career.
- Pitchers: C.C. Sabathia, Justin Verlander, Roy Halladay
- Batters: Ryan Braun, Matt Kemp, Jose Reyes
8. Middle of the Order Hitter/ No. 2 Starter - players with definite skill that might be just a cut below elite status, but still possessing All-Star potential.
- Pitchers: Matt Cain, Jon Lester, Yovani Gallardo
- Batters: Mark Teixiera, Rickie Weeks, Hunter Pence
7. Everyday Player/ No. 3 Starter/Closer - players not quite good enough to anchor a batting order or pitching staff, but still possess enough talent to contribute offensively/defend with some authority, give you innings while floating an ERA around the high-3′s/low-4′s, or be your main stopper in the bullpen.
- Pitchers: Mark Buehrle, Shaun Marcum, Hiroki Kuroda
- Batters: Nick Swisher, Andre Ethier, Asdrubal Cabrera
- Relievers: Jonathan Papelbon, John Axford, Craig Kimbrel
6. No. 8-9 or Platoon Hitter/ No. 4-5 Starter/Setup Man - generally speaking, players whose game is defensively-oriented, or whose abilities aren’t quite good enough to land full-time duty, a back end innings eater, or a back end bullpen guy.
- Pitchers: Joe Saunders, John Lannan, Livan Hernandez
- Batters: Darwin Barney, Yuniesky Betancourt, Danny Valencia
- Relievers: Sean Marshall, Johnny Venters, Joaquin Benoit
5. Bench Player/ Journeyman Starter / Middle Reliever - players that are usually defensive replacements, will fill in for injured batters, some have the ability to start a few games in the MLB but are mostly very good minor league starters, or are good relievers but cant be trusted enough at the end of games.
4. Top Minor League Hitter / Pitcher (AAAA) - players unlikely to have long careers in the MLB, but they’ll be recalled when injuries or other circumstances arise.
3. Average Minor League Hitter/ Pitcher - players who will in all likelihood spend their entire careers in the minor leagues.
2. Minor League Role-Player - players who populate minor league rosters for the purpose of populating minor league rosters. Usually never get above the low minors.
1. Borderline Minor League Player - players one step away from the independent leagues.
Realistic Probability Rating (A-F)
(the player’s realistic chances of achieving their potential):
A – All but guaranteed to reach potential - 100 percent metaphysical certitude that the player will play up to his abilities as noted by his potential rating.
B – Should reach potential, could drop 1 rating - likely to reach potential, but may have a hole or two in his game that will keep him from reaching his full potential.
C – May reach potential, could drop 2 ratings - has shown some flashes, but may ultimately not have what it takes to reach his potential.
D – Unlikely to reach potential, could drop 3 ratings - a player who has a chance to reach his potential but is unlikely to do so.
F – A player possessing little potential who has a mountain to climb just to reach the outermost boundary of that potential.
