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Live Chat With Former MLB Pitcher Tim Fortugno
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Tim Fortugno
10:00
Good morning all. I'm looking forward to this chat/opportunity. Thank you for showing interest in this great game of ours. I hope to answer as many questions as I can. Happy 2023!
Duffy Scliff
10:04
Tim, thanks for chatting with us today! Can you tell us a little more about your current scouting role? What area of the country, do you scout more HS or college players, and what is a typical day like for a scout?
Tim Fortugno
10:04
Duffy, great question. I've experienced a lot and scouted in many roles. After my last year of pitching 1998, I went into Amateur Scouting for Texas Rangers - Socal 1999. I scouted HS, JC and 4yr players. I was fortunate enough to sign some ML players. Then, I was hired by NYM as their West Coast CrossChecker ... seeing best players on West Coast. Then, I scouted MiLB and MLB for trades and free agents. Back to Amateur Scouting with TR Rays in NorCal, Central Coast and North Nevada.
MikeD
10:07
Your final year in the CPBL was a good one. Did you find it difficult being so far from home, and why did you decide to retire then?
Tim Fortugno
10:07
Thank you MikeD. 1998 was my pre-determined last year. I knew my days were done here in the states. My last year in the major leagues was 1995. I saw the writing on the wall. So, I went to Taiwan and spent a year there with my family. I'm glad I did it.
Joe Davola
10:10
Hi Tim, I appreciate you doing this! Do you ever look back on your career through your scout eyes? What tool or skill would you tell yourself to focus on?
Tim Fortugno
10:10
Hey Joe, great question. I think I do but I also think that I grew up in a different time and kids are exposed to so many different things than I was ... social media, analytics, speed off bat, spin rates ... That said, I do look for competitive kids (period). Body language, work ethic, determination and drive are the ingredients I know I had.
MikeD
10:12
Tim, congratulations on a 37-year career in pro ball. Is there one moment, from playing and scouting, that stands out the most?
Tim Fortugno
10:12
Hi MikeD, I would say there are too many to really rattle off. But, getting my first call-up, my second call up after getting released four times in 12 months was special, and as a scout, signing 7 ML players in the draft was pretty cool. Thank you for asking ... great question.
Noah
10:15
When ur scouting a player what's the biggest thing you look for?
Tim Fortugno
10:15
Hi Noah, I look for "tools". For a pitcher - velocity, quality breaking ball, command of pitches. Competitive nature. For a position player, I look for arm strength for position, actions defensively, hit tool and power. AS well, I look for those competitive ingredients that all athletes seem to have: drive and determination.
Barbarino
10:17
Who did you punch out for your first big-league K?
Tim Fortugno
10:17
Hi Barbarino, Devon White ... FB down the middle. thumbsup
Chris
10:20
Who was the best MLB hitter you faced and who was best hitter you scouted ?
Tim Fortugno
10:20
Hi Chris, the best hitter I faced is hard to say. ML hitters are all very good. John Olerud never seemed to swing at pitches out of the zone. Omar Vizquel was pesky and he was a tough out for me. Bottom line, loved the mano y mano battles. As for the best amateur hitter I scouted ... Bryce Harper
JT
10:23
Hi Tim, what are your thoughts on the new rule changes in MLB. Do you think having a pitch clock would have bothered you when you played?
Tim Fortugno
10:23
Hi JT, hard to say. I liked to work fast. So, it never bothers me to think of that. It was the hitter that slowed me down that frustrated me. That said, my initial thoughts on the "time of game" issue would be to call BALLS-BALLS, and STRIKES-STRIKES no matter the hitter or count. CHEST to KNEES is in the rule book ... isn't it?
Josh
10:25
I remember you pitching with the Reds. What was your best memory with the Reds?
Tim Fortugno
10:25
Hi Josh, my time with the Reds was very special. I was released 4 times in 12 months after my first call-up with the Angels. So, to say I was happy would be an understatement. However, then the infamous '94 strike happened and the season ended. I was having a pretty good year and I was 33 years old.
Rollie
10:29
Tim, Brandon Nimmo has become one of the top CF in baseball. Where you a part in drafting him and how did that happen ?
Tim Fortugno
10:29
Hi Rollie, Brandon was special then and he's special now. My last year as a cross checker with the Mets was 2011. Jim Reeves (NW Scout) really fought for this guy. I saw him a lot and I was all in. I was told he had David Wright qualities. High praise I thought. Now, I believe.
Young Pitcher
10:33
What would be your biggest piece of advice to give to a young 9-12U athlete who aspires to be a pitcher?
Tim Fortugno
10:33
Dear Young Pitcher, play catch, do lots of long-toss. Then, master your FB command. And, then your CHG. Stay away from breaking balls until your older (15-16yrs) but even then, use sparingly.
Orioles
10:35
So far it looks like the orioles made the right call drafting Holliday over Jones. Who would you have taken number 1 overall?
Tim Fortugno
10:35
Orioles, I think Holliday is going to make them look smart. I personally only saw him at the AC Games in San Diego the summer before. I was very impressed with his field presence, defensive skills, and his hitting acumen. He is going to work out just fine. I can't really comment on others ... in 4-5 years, we get to do the Monday morning QB thing. The proof will be in the pudding.
John
10:41
How do you feel about players under the suspicion of steroids from your Era not making the HOF?
Tim Fortugno
10:41
Hi John, this is a tough one. Let me try to spin here. I don't have "personal proof" on anyone using or not. But, I do know playing in that ERA was tough. Now that my pitching career is over ... I can say, the playing field was not even. I "may have lost" or "may not have lost" major league service time due to those who had an advantage. So, who's to say my 2 years 1 day service time wouldn't have equated into 4 years 2 days of MLB service time???? That's my spin. I'll leave the HOF conversation up to those who want it. winkwink
Matty
10:46
Hi Tim, as a former big league pitcher and current scout, you’ve seen the game evolve a lot from your playing days. Can you talk about the biggest differences in the game now compared to when you were playing? Thanks!
Tim Fortugno
10:46
Hi Matty, great question. In some ways it's still the same with 60' 6" mound/plate distance and 90' bases. But, travel ball, analytics and social media really exposes the player to so many other elements. It can get overwhelming and confusing. But, as a former player and current scout, I try to keep it simple. "See the ball, catch the ball, hit the ball".
Angels
10:47
What was it like giving up George Brett's 3,000th hit?
Tim Fortugno
10:47
Angels, "humbling". However, the next day I came to the park and found a signed baseball and bat in my locker from George. Class Act!
John
10:48
Have you scouted anyone that turned into major league players? If so who’s been the most successful?
Tim Fortugno
10:48
Hi John, I've been fortunate to draft 7 guys who got to the ML. The most successful were CJ Wilson, Scott Feldman and John Mayberry Jr.
Brody M
10:53
Hey Tim, have you been approached to sell the movie rights of your life? You have one heck of a story!
Tim Fortugno
10:53
Hi Brody, thank you for the kind remarks. Not sure about movie, but I do want to write my memoir .... already started. I really want to share my story with anyone. I think there are a few more layers than baseball only. In short, I've made a life out of a dream and wanted to convey hope. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Another angle, I want to share my story with my grandchildren.
Tim
11:00
If you were a GM would you be like Dave Dombrowski or the Orioles GM?    One values prospects a lot more than the other.
Tim Fortugno
11:00
Hi Tim, I'm a big Dave Dombrowski fan. He's outstanding at his job. He's personable and he cares about his people around him. I was looking for a job in the past, and he called me personally to encourage me to stay in the game. I will never forget that.
Aspiring Scout
11:01
Hi Tim, I want to be a scout. Any advice?
Tim Fortugno
11:01
Dear Aspiring Scout, dream big. Don't ever give up. Once you do, nobody will believe in you. I know that sounds simple ... but, I'm a big believer in finding a way. Good luck. Don't give up.
Tim Fortugno
11:03
Hello everyone, my apologies I couldn't get to all the questions. Maybe, MLB Trade Rumors will have me back. That said, got a call during this CHAT. Scouting season is just starting. I best be on my way. Until next time. TimF
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