Book excerpt: In this lively career guide, readers who hope to be a scout learn there are high school and college scouts who find and judge talent, professional scouts who assess players on rival teams for possible trades or free agent signings, and advance scouts who evaluate players from other organizations and report back to their coaches about how best to attack or defend them in upcoming games. The job requires a willingness to travel, a keen eye for talent, and knowledge of an athlete's strengths and weaknesses. Handy back matter sections list educational programs, BLS information, and key career facts.