English edit

Etymology edit

tools +‎ -y, in reference to a five-tool player.

Adjective edit

toolsy (comparative toolsier, superlative toolsiest) (informal)

  1. (sports) Of a player: having numerous skills and abilities.
    • 2015 February 17, “Beginner's Guide to Understanding the 2015 NFL Draft”, in Bleacher Report:
      Bryce Petty (Baylor) is more toolsy than Grayson or Carden, but he has had some back injuries, and it shows when he moves around.
    • 2016 June 4, “2013 MLB Draft Profile: Austin Wilson”, in Amazin' Avenue:
    1. (baseball) Able to hit for a high batting average and for power, to run the bases well, to throw well, and to field well.
      • 2006 June 7, “Augusta pitcher is on the right track”, in The Augusta Chronicle:
        Tabbed the No. 30 prospect in the Giants' system by Baseball America, which calls him "raw and toolsy. His best tool is his arm, and if he doesn't succeed in the field, he could ... move to the mound. He threw in the low 90s in workouts at Texas. ... One of the best defensive infielders in the system already, as his arm plays well at either (shortstop or third base). ... The best defensive third baseman in the organization."
      • 2008 March 20, “Not a Rookie: Matt Kemp”, in SB Nation:
        He was considered very toolsy and athletic, but rather raw, best-known as a basketball player in high school.
      • 2008 June 11, “Breaking down the draft, Part 1”, in The Hardball Times:
        The Twins are known for their fascination with toolsy and athletic outfielders, but Hicks has the most talent of any Twins draft pick since Joe Mauer in 2002.
      • 2009 August 2, “Michael Vick In MLB?”, in The Washington Post:
        Okay, this joke worked better when Jim Bowden was still the GM, with his fetish for toolsy outfielders and troubled second-chancers.
      • 2014 August 5, “Grand Junction Rockies broadcaster Adam Spolane on Hamlet Marte, Rockies' depth at lowest minor league levels”, in Purple Ros:
        I think he might be a little bit toolsier than Dexter. He probably has a little more power.
      • 2015 June 8, “Mitch Hansen profile: A closer look at Dodgers' 2nd-round pick”, in SB Nation:
        Mitchell was one of the more toolsy and projectable prep outfielders in this draft.
      • 2015 July 30, “Pirates trade JaCoby Jones for Joakim Soria”, in Bucs Dugout:
        ...the toolsy Jones was somewhat of a cult favorite among the prospect-watching set.
        Now, three years later, Wilson is back as one of the toolsier college bats in the class. And he certainly looks the part, strong and athletic, with the ability to hit for power and run well.

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