I have $20M in one area, $0 scouting for the other. The draft class is pretty underwhelming. However, there are two players in my $0 category ranked in the 90’s. I would be foolish to think it’s an accurate projection. However, is there a rule of thumb I can use to determine their floor? For example, if they are a 99 with no scouting, can I assume they are no worse than 20 points (ex: 79), 30% (ex: 70) less or could a 95 projection with no scouting just as easily translate to 45?

While I don't think there is a rule of thumb or a consensus, if I had to make my best guess, I would say that for every 1 million in scouting, it is one extra point of hazy projection. So even if you max out your scouting at 20 million, there is still a hazy projection of anywhere between +/- 12 points or so. So, with a $0 scouting budget, that likely means that it is up to 32 points off the true ceiling of the player for each rating.

Is it true that even with 20 million in scouting the projections can be off? I had a guy off by 10 points after he signed compared to prior projections. Maybe my scout were really bad and were on the beach instead of really scouting :)

Max scouting budget gives you the best available projections - doesn't guarantee perfect. Remember you are using them to compare players against each other, apples to apples. If all your prospects are off by 10 points or so, you're still making your choice which is the best of the lot.

I'll be totally honest, you have to use your own discretion but I can't trust anything with a $0 scouting budget. The guys could be off by as much as 50-60 points. Even at 10 million I feel like its treacherous waters.

The problem is I wouldn't take a guy in the first round with 0 scouting budget and if they are truly kids that are in the 90's they won't be there in round 2.

I drafted Player Profile: Gregg Crosby - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports with 0 high school and grabbed him in the supplementary round. He graded as a stud SP, I applied the same logic you had...and though he has some incredible attributes...he ain't leaving AAA

Quick update. I had the 9th and 26th overall picks. I ranked the $0 HS 97 rating pitcher 7th on my board mostly because I saw a drop off after my top 6 and figured I would roll the dice. My 5th and 6th ranked guys went 9th and 26th overall. The HS guy went 14th overall. He could go on to be a perennial All Star but I am happy with my known and safer draftees.